PBF for seeking cooperation for seed development expertise from China under CPEC

Lahore: Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) has stressed that seeking cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for seed development expertise from China will help in improving agricultural productivity.

Speaking to journalists here, the PBF Vice President Ahmad Jawad Pakistan needed to revamp “our seed sector to produce larger volumes of certified seeds at affordable prices, besides streamlining the distribution of quality seeds among farmers across Pakistan.”

Ahmad Jawad also called for making necessary amendments to end monopoly of multi-national companies; secure rights of small farmers; and ensure food security in the country.

“Majority of seed companies is engaged in just marketing of certified seeds produced by leading seed-producing companies, and this is the main reason that we do not see new seed varieties more often. And that is why even technological advancement in preservation of seeds is not progressing well in the country,” he added.

Jawad mentioned PBF was hopeful that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will bring a noticeable change in the governance and complete wide-ranging mega projects before time.

The new government, he added, should start an objective and inclusive consultative process with the stakeholders in the business community and take them into confidence to manage the current account deficit.