Islamabad: Nine (09) Maize hybrids, four (04) Maize OPVs, 01 Millet variety (fodder), 01 millet hybrid (grain), 02 Oat verities and 01 sorghum sudan grass hybrid have been recommended for commercial cultivation in Pakistan by the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) on Maize, Sorghum, Millet, Fodder and other cereals in a meeting held at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Hqs, Islamabad
During the meeting, Dr. Munir Ahmed, Chairman, PARC enlightened the role of PARC in the process of variety evaluation and its release. He also emphasized the role legislation and newly approved seed act and its compliance by the public and private sectors. Chairman, PARC also appreciated the role of PARC coordination and the increasing trust of people on the system. Honorable Chairman urged the importance of self sufficiency in local seed production to reduce the huge import volume of seed.
Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Member (Plant Sciences), PARC chaired the VEC meeting which was attended by technical members from NARS system and private seed companies. While presiding over the meeting, Member (PSD), PARC / Chairman VEC appreciated the immerging trend of local research and development of private seed companies in the country in seed sector. A comprehensive discussion between the private sector and Govt. high officials was held during the meeting to address the problems in seed production, approval, release and marketing in the country. General issues related to adaptability / national uniform yield trials were also discussed in detail in the meeting. Overall twenty five proposals were thoroughly examined and 19 were allowed for enlisting with Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD).
Members of VEC also appreciated the role of private seed companies for taking interest in research and development and working in close collaboration with public sector.