Arooj Zulfiqar

The exemption of customs duty on import of quality seeds will pave the way for improved agricultural production, said a senior official. “The exemption of customs duties on the import of seeds is a pragmatic strategy to promote the growth of Pakistan's agricultural sector. It will open up avenues for innovation, facilitates the transfer of advanced technologies, and empower farmers with a wider range of seed options,” said Dr Muhammad Iqbal, Principal Scientific Officer at National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), while talking to WealthPK.

In Pakistan, where a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, it becomes imperative to prioritise the growth and modernisation of this sector. Seeds determine the quality and yield of crops, and their availability can greatly impact the success of farming endeavours. “By exempting duties on seed imports, we can provide farmers with a wide range of options, including improved varieties of seeds that are more resistant to pests and diseases, have higher nutritional value, and exhibit greater tolerance to adverse environmental conditions,” said Dr Iqbal.

He said this facility would allow farmers to diversify their crop choices and mitigate risks associated with climate change, pests, and other challenges. Dr Iqbal said duty-free seed imports help in promoting the transfer of advanced agricultural technologies and practices. “As farmers gain access to high-quality seeds from international sources, they are exposed to new farming techniques, crop management strategies, and innovative technologies. This exposure allows them to adopt best practices and improve their farming methods, thus increasing yields, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing overall efficiency,” he said.

In addition to the exemption of customs duties on seed imports, he emphasised the need for efforts to ensure the quality and authenticity of imported seeds. He said strict regulations and quality control mechanisms must be put in place to prevent the entry of substandard or counterfeit seeds into the market. The government has incentivised the agriculture sector in Budget 2023-24 keeping in view the damages caused by the devastating floods. One such initiative is that all taxes and duties on the import of quality seeds are being abolished to promote the use of quality seeds in the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk