The National Seed Council (NSC) has relaxed the cotton seed germination standard for Kharif 2020 crops only (both for the public and private sector seed companies) from the existing 65-70 percent to 50 per cent.
The NSC has also asked the seed companies to rationalize their prices in line with germination percentage of their seed. According to a letter issued on Friday by the Department of the Federal Seed Certification, the NSC granted permission for lowering the germination standard with certain conditions which include that the permission is only for the season of Kharif 2020. The Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) will ensure that actual germination standard shall be clearly mentioned on a bag/label and adjust proper seed rate per acre to achieve the desired plant population. The letter also added that the price of seed shall be reduced in proportionate to relaxation in germination percentage by both public as well as private sectors. No cotton seed below this germination standard will be offered for sale and in case of violation, strict action shall be taken under the provisions of the Seed Act. 1976 (Seed Amendment Act. 2015)
The department also assigned all the provincial agriculture extension departments to disseminate information regarding the reduced price of seed with relaxed standard and inform farmers to use additional seed rate in case of sowing the seed of relaxed standard.
The decision to this effect was taken in the 17th meeting of the National Seed Council held in the Ministry of National Food Security and Research with the agenda of consideration of relaxing the cotton seed germination standards for Kharif crop 2020.
Commenting on this decision, an agricultural expert said that it will be a challenge to achieve optimal plant population. "Farmers have to use double seed rate and if a person is planting by hand without proper care, he will have to suffer loss," he added.
Sources claimed that the Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) had asked the government for lowering the germination standard citing the poor weather during last cotton season due to which germination standard remained low. Director General Agriculture (Extension) Punjab Dr Anjum Ali while talking to Business Recorder said that objective behind this downward revision in germination standard was that only 30 percent standard could be attained during the last season because of historic rainfall and later high temperatures at the time of seed setting or boll formation. He said when the government says it would provide the certified seed with bags and tag; it needs that seed with the prescribed standards. "From now on, farmers and the extension department would know that if a bag is sold then what is the germination rate claimed by the seller company. It will also help the farmers to meet maximum plant population in field and assurance of availability of seed," he said. To a question, he said that cotton sowing in Punjab is being launched from April 1. However, he said, initially it is planned to achieve same area under cotton cultivation which was achieved during last season, i.e. 4.5 million acres of land. He said that cotton is a very important crop, which has a multiplier effect on the national economy, as it not only earns for the farmers but also runs the industry and generate employment.