Labelling system for cotton seeds gets green light

The Board of Governors of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) has approved key reforms in the seed sector, including the pilot launch of a ‘Truth-in-Labelling System’ for cotton, aimed at protecting farmers from substandard seeds. The initiative will be underpinned by clear eligibility criteria and climate-smart protocols, ensuring seed quality and traceability. The move marks the revival of the Seeds (Truth-in-Labelling) Rules 1991, notified by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which mandate that all seed offered for sale or export must carry a label reflecting its quality and meet minimum purity standards. Chairing the board meeting, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed that quality seed is the cornerstone of agricultural productivity and profitability. He underscored the government’s commitment to enforcing seed laws, regulating the sector transparently, and eliminating malpractice.