It is a matter of grave concern that the country has a negligible seed processing industry, where promoting the seed industry will help increase productivity as a step towards food security. Speakers discussed seed processing challenges and opportunities in quality seed production arranged by the PSDP Seed Project team at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Engineer Shabi Hassan, Provincial Project Manager Punjab Seed Corporation, and Dr Aslam Yousuf, Seed Technology Consultant, were the guest speakers. Scientific Director of the PSDP Seed Project, Dr Irfan Afzal from UAF, also spoke.

Engineer Shabi Hassan said that out of 1700 seed companies in the county, only a few have seed processing facilities. He said that the seed processing ensures the quality of the seed stock given for processing. He elaborated on the basic principles and components of seed processing and highlighted recent technologies for pre-cleaning, fine cleaning, grading and value addition of seeds. He briefed the audience about the functioning of the state-of-the-art machines.

Dr Aslam Yousuf said that seed processing does not improve the seed quality. It only takes low-quality seeds out of the bulk. He said that processing can add the seed’s physical purity, size uniformity, vigour uniformity, storage life, and seed treatment.

Dr Irfan Afzal called for tangible steps to help the seed processing units flourish. He said that under the dynamic leadership of Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF, the main objective of the PSDP seed project is to create an enabling environment with advanced seed research for the industry and also initiate seed science and technology programs in four partner universities. He said that they would also establish model seed research and outreach centres in Narowal and Quetta.