Ahmed Khan Malik

Agriculture experts have called for urgent reforms in Sindh’s seed development ecosystem, warning that the province’s crop yields will continue to lag behind regional benchmarks unless high-quality, locally adapted seed varieties are made more widely available. “High-quality seed is the foundation of agricultural productivity,” said Mahmood Nawaz Shah, President of Sindh Abadgar Board. “If farmers don’t have access to certified, climate-resilient seed varieties, no amount of fertilizer or irrigation can compensate for the losses,” he underscored.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Shah said that countries facing similar climate pressures have invested heavily in seed research, enabling them to introduce heat-tolerant, flood-resistant, and early-maturing varieties that improve yields even under stress. He highlighted the widening gap between Sindh’s agricultural output and that of neighbouring countries, where modern seed technology is more widely used. “Without innovation in breeding programmes, Sindh risks falling further behind — and becoming increasingly dependent on costly imports of agricultural products.”

Shah emphasised the need for stronger public-private collaborations to accelerate seed development. While Sindh’s public-sector research institutions have historically played a central role in breeding new varieties, experts say that limited funding, outdated laboratories, and slow certification processes have slowed progress. Private seed companies, on the other hand, have shown increasing interest in introducing high-yielding hybrids, particularly in maize, rice, and vegetables.

However, many firms remain reluctant to expand operations in Sindh unless supported by improved regulatory frameworks and clearer intellectual property protections. “There is tremendous scope for joint ventures between local research institutes and global seed developers,” said Mustafa Bhargari, an agriculture expert. “Sindh’s climate zones are unique, and tailored seed varieties can only be developed through long-term collaboration and field trials.”

He noted that inadequate regulations make it difficult to ensure that only certified seed varieties reach the market. He recommended establishing a more efficient seed certification authority in Sindh, equipped with modern testing labs, transparent standards, and digital monitoring tools to prevent the sale of counterfeit seeds. Bhargari noted that counterfeit seeds continue to cause heavy losses to small farmers who lack the means to verify seed quality.

“A strong regulatory system will protect farmers and encourage innovation,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining germplasm banks and investing in biotechnology tools to accelerate breeding cycles. “Without scientific intervention, Sindh’s agriculture will struggle to cope with the next decade of climate stress,” he added. The experts stressed that improving seed quality is the single most effective way to boost productivity, climate resilience, and farmer income.

Sindh, traditionally considered Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, contributes significantly to national output of wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and oilseeds. Yet, the province’s productivity has remained stagnant over the past several years due to outdated seed varieties, inconsistent seed certification standards, and limited private-sector investment in seed research. Climate change, recurring floods, and widespread soil degradation have only made the need for better seed technology more urgent.

Agriculture experts argued that while Sindh’s agricultural potential remains enormous, the absence of a robust seed development programme is undermining long-term growth. They pointed out that many farmers relied on uncertified seeds or re-used grains, resulting in reduced germination rates, vulnerability to disease, and lower overall yields.

Credit: INP-WealthPk