Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain Chairs First Meeting of the Board of Governors of National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA)

Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired the first meeting of the Board of Governors of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA). The session focused on establishing the authority’s full functionality to enhance Pakistan’s seed sector.The operationalization of NSDRA follows the enactment of the Seed Amendment Act, 2024, which underscored the importance of addressing challenges in the seed sector. NSDRA is mandated to recommend and formulate policies, regulate and monitor the seed industry, and advise the federal government on improving seed standards.Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the critical role of quality seeds in ensuring food security and improving agricultural productivity. He highlighted that advanced and export-quality seeds are essential for achieving self-sufficiency and boosting exports. Provinces suggested increased representation in NSDRA, a proposal the minister acknowledged and appreciated.The meeting discussed the authority’s administrative structure, vision, and strategic goals. NSDRA aims to create a competitive seed sector that promotes innovation, increases investment, and ensures the availability of technologically advanced seeds. Its strategic goals include enhancing seed quality, reducing imports, increasing exports, and improving farmers’ incomes.NSDRA will focus on key areas such as germplasm development, adoption of modern technology, strengthening the seed supply chain, and implementing an effective regulatory framework. The National Seed Policy has also been finalized, enabling the authority to support provincial efforts at every level.Concluding the meeting, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s seed sector and supporting its role in national agricultural development.