Hybrid seed regulation violators warned of action

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FE Report
Private seed firms are violating the country's hybrid seed regulation for more than a decade, agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury said Thursday.
She said the government gave the private seed businesses opportunities to import hybrid seeds and made a three- year trial for evaluating feasibility of a particular seed by government research institutes.
"But the businesses are violating the regulations for which the farmers are losing their interest and confidence in hybrid", she said.
The minister while addressing the inauguration of the three-day 3rd Agro Bangladesh Fair 2012, said the import, production and marketing of low-quality hybrid seeds by private seed companies are causing immense sufferings to the farmers.
Agriculture Ministry in association with different agro business associations and media houses organised the 3rd Agro Bangladesh Fair 2012 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital from October 4 to 6.
This is the first time that such a fair has been organised under Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Citing example of 'the Jhalak' hybrid rice variety imported by a private seed company, Matia said private seed firms are importing low-quality hybrid seeds of a particular brand at lower cost based on the better performances of that brand in previous years.
Matia urged the private seed firms to maintain honesty while doing business.
"You cannot make hybrid seed business by launching whatever you like, the government will be forced to take action."
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) executive chairman Dr Wais Kabir said, "We need to adopt a strict regulation for seed promotions to cope up with the increase in agricultural production in the recent years."
Bangladesh Seed Association President (BSA) FR Malik said the private seed businesses are working for achieving the food security of the country.
BSA president said the association is monitoring the matter to ensure quality hybrid seed for the betterment of the agriculture.
Presided over by agriculture secretary Md Monzur Hossain, the programme was also addressed by Fisheries and Livestock secretary Ujjal Bikash Dutta and director general of the seed wing Anwar Farooq.
The fair will showcase agro products, technologies and machineries of 80 national and international firms.