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NATIONAL SEEDS POLICY

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Kabul, Afghanistan

2005

NATIONAL SEEDS POLICY

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Kabul, Afghanistan

2005

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National Seeds Policy Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PageFOREWORD………………………………………………………………. 1 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS………………………………………………………… 3

CONTEXT………………………………………………………………….. 4 1 OBJECTIVES…………………………………………………………. 5 2 STRATEGY……………………………………………………………… 6 3 DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE…………………………………………………………. 7 4 ADMINISTRATION……………………………………………………. 7 4.1 National Seed Committee………………………………………. 7 4.2 Variety Release Committee…………………………………….. 8 5 CROP AND SEED RESEARCH……………………………………… 8 5.1 Priority Crops……………………………………………………… 8 5.2 Variety Development……………………………………………. 8 5.3 Varietal Adaptation Testing……………………………………… 9 5.4 Variety Registration……………………………………………. 9 5.5 Control of Varieties and Varietal Ownership…………………… 9 5.6 Farmers’ Rights…………………………………………………… 10 6 SEED PRODUCTION………………………………………………… 10 6.1 Generation System of Seed Multiplication……………………. 10 6.2 Early Generation Seed Maintenance and Supply……………. 10 6.3 Seed Conditioning……………………………………………… 11 7 SEED QUALITY ASSURANCE……………………………………… 11 7.1 Quality Standards………………………………………………… 11 7.2 Seed Quality Control Mechanisms……………………………… 12 7.2.1 External Seed Quality Control………………………….. 12 7.2.2 Internal Seed Quality Control……………………………. 12

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Page 7.3 Seed Law……………………………………………… 13 7.4 Seed Testing……………………………………………… 13 8 SEED DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING………………… 13 8.1 Basic Principles………………………………………… 13 8.2 Market Support and Coordination……………………. 14 8.3 Seed Extension and Promotion………………………. 14 8.4 Seed Import…………………………………………….. 14 8.5 Seed Export………………………………………….. 14 9 GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS…………………….. 15 10 SEED SECTOR DEVELOPMENT……………………….. 15 10. Private Sector Promotional Benefits…………………… 15 10.2The Informal Seed Sector……………………………. 15 10.3National Reserve Seed Stock………………………… 16 10.4Seed Industry Data and Statistics……………………… 16 10.5Credit for Seed-Users…………………………………… 16 10.6Credit for the Seed Industry………………………….. 16 10.7Training and Technology Application………………… 16 11 IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES………………………. 17 12 ENTRY INTO FORCE………………………………………. 17 12. Effective Date………………………………………….. 17 12.2Applicability……………………………………………… 17 13 POLICY ADVISORY AND UPDATING……………………. 18

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FOREWORD

It gives me great pleasure on this occasion of the adoption of a National Seeds Policy for Afghanistan to lend my personal support and that of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food (MAAHF) in underscoring the importance of this policy framework for guiding and regulating the development of Afghanistan’s seed industry. It is obvious that seeds are the fundamental agricultural input for crop production and means of attaining food

security. A viable seed industry is therefore essential for the development of Afghanistan’s agriculture and economy by offering opportunities for employment and sustainable livelihoods for rural households throughout the country. This policy document is an outcome of a two-day national forum organized in Kabul during April 2005 to discuss and review an advanced policy draft that has been prepared by MAAHF and FAO. This was an exhaustive and comprehensive process with a truly broad-based contribution from all relevant stakeholders in the seed sector. The preparation and formulation process was informed by an earlier draft prepared by the Future Harvest Consortium/ICARDA in 2002. The 2005 national seed forum was attended by over 80 participants representing the Agricultural Research Institute of Afghanistan, the public sector Improved Seed Enterprise, International Agricultural Research Centers, international agencies, donors, seed producing NGOs, private seed enterprises and farmers. During the forum, the final draft was reviewed and updated by taking into account the consensus views, suggestions and concerns of all stakeholders present. I believe that this Policy should provide the enabling environment for sustaining and enhancing growth of the Afghanistan seed industry. I would therefore like to call upon all stakeholders, particularly the international agencies and donors for their support and cooperation to make this Policy a success. The adoption of this Policy is timely and comes at a moment when the Government is putting emphasis on an effective role for the private sector and making the seed industry commercially competitive. To make this possible, many interventions will be needed including research in variety improvement and release, early generation seed multiplication, development of viable seed producing enterprises, provision of appropriate support to the private sector, marketing, extension services, seed quality

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control, adoption and enforcement of regulatory measures, and human capacity building. The task is huge and will require the full support and commitment of all stakeholders in ensuring that the seed industry eventually becomes an integrated and sustainable element of Afghanistan’s agricultural sector. Finally, I would like to express my profound thanks and appreciation to everyone who has been involved in the development of this important policy document and in particular those staff in NSC, MAAHF and FAO on whose shoulders the bulk of this work fell, and the European Commission (EC) for providing the necessary financial support.

Obaidullah Ramin Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food

Kabul, Afghanistan

August 2005

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ADF Afghanistan Development Forum FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GDP Gross Domestic Product GMCs Genetically Modified Crop ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry

Areas IPPC International Plant Protection Convention ISTA International Seed Testing Association MAAHF Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food NGO Non Governmental Organization NSC National Seed Committee PPQD Plant Protection and Quarantine Department SIDP Seed Industry Development Project VRC Variety Release Committee

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CONTEXT Subsistence farming constitutes much of Afghanistan’s agriculture. The agriculture sector accounts for about 60% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with about 85% of the estimated population of 22 million engaged either directly in agriculture or in related activities. Given that more than 80% of agricultural output is being derived from barely 5% of the land area, an important approach to ensuring food security is maximizing the productivity of this limited resource base, while safeguarding the environment. Raising productivity especially for irrigated crops is a crucial strategy in fighting increased poppy cultivation. The country is characterized by diverse agro-ecological conditions that support a wide range of crops. Wheat is the main cereal and staple crop accounting for about 70% of the total cultivated area of field crops. Other important field crops include rice, barley, maize, food legumes (chickpea, lentil and mung bean). In 2003, wheat cultivation was estimated to cover 2,124,000 ha (814,000 ha in rain-fed areas and 1,310,000 ha in irrigated areas). With an average yield of 2 tons per hectare, the productivity of irrigated wheat is generally considered to be between two to three times that of rain-fed wheat. Wheat is cultivated mainly as an autumn crop but some spring wheat may be sown in high elevation areas depending on the pattern of rainfall. There are summer crops after wheat such as maize, rice, pulses (mung beans), melons and cotton. Although double-cropping is possible and generally practiced in the high potential irrigated lands, only one crop is generally possible in the rainfed lands. Two of the primary strategies for the achievement of food security and other goals of agriculture in Afghanistan mentioned in the Agricultural Development Proposal presented at the Afghanistan Development Forum (ADF) on 20 March 2005, are: (i) the enhancement of crop productivity, and (ii) support to production and marketing of high value horticultural crops. For both of these strategies, improved seeds are considered the prime input and the development of a National Seeds Policy aimed at ensuring that seeds play their desired role should be an important step.

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Although over 50% of the wheat area in Afghanistan is occupied by improved varieties, the quality of most seed in use is poor. The informal sector, made up of farmers’ saved seed and exchanges as well as supplies from local markets is the main source of seed accounting for nearly 85% of all seed used. Formal sector seed programmes in the country focus generally on wheat because of its importance in the farming system and the need to enhance productivity for household food security. A total of about 10,000 tons quality seed of improved varieties (accounting for about 5% of total seed requirement) is produced in the country each year. Almost all this seed is acquired by development agencies and distributed to farmers free or at highly subsidized credit. Promotion and marketing efforts on the part of the seed producers are virtually absent. Overall, there is a need for a mechanism for regulating a focused national seed industry that is aimed at contributing to improvement in crop production, food security and farm income. This will encompass all activities and issues related to variety improvement, germplasm exchange, seed multiplication, quality assurance, and seed trade. 1. OBJECTIVES 1.1 The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

recognizes the critical role of improved seed in increasing agricultural productivity and contributing to the achievement of national food security;

1.2 Increased farm productivity is expected to enhance rural

employment and contribute to the overall national economy; 1.3 Therefore, through relevant national institutions, the

Government will aim at ensuring adequate and timely availability of improved seed of the required quality to farmers at reasonable prices and at appropriate locations.

1.4 To create necessary conditions for the proper development

of a seed industry capable of enhancing the achievement of the above goals, Government hereby establishes this National Seeds Policy, which shall be long term and shall

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guide and conduct all future seed-related operations. All activities related to production and supply of seed shall be governed by the provisions of this National Seeds Policy.

1.5 This National Seeds Policy shall guide all regulations relating

to seed. All Government officers at all levels shall in no way delay, impede or interfere with the use or movement of seed for planting purposes.

2. STRATEGY 2.1. The Government, through its various ministries and

departments, under the coordination of the National Seed Committee, shall play the lead support role, develop pilot operations, maintain public-service infrastructural and service support required to maintain efficient seed supply, enhance farmer demand for improved seeds, and create an operating and economic environment favorable for investment in seed supply.

2.2. Government's first responsibility is to ensure that adequate

stocks of high-quality seed of improved varieties are provided to farmers, to ensure production of the required food, feed and fiber. Government organizations shall produce the amounts and kinds of such seed to ensure that farmer needs are met.

2.3. In due course, the public sector shall produce only those

seed categories which are required but not supplied by the private sector. As much as possible, Government seed production shall be under contract with private farmers who shall be paid, guided, supported and supervised in a manner which helps them develop financially and technologically to become self-sustaining private-sector seed operations.

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2.4. The private sector shall be encouraged and supported to

produce the maximum extent possible, the seeds that are required for farmers’ use.

2.5. The public sector shall withdraw from the commercial

production of seed. As the private sector develops the capability to produce and supply seed of such additional crops as are required and is actively supplying such seed, involved Government agencies shall gradually reduce their supply of such seed kinds, in order to prevent Government-subsidized competition and to conserve Government funds.

2.6 Equal attention will be placed on both true seeds and

vegetative planting materials such as seedlings, tubers, cuttings and plantlets. It is recognized that variety development and seed multiplication needs of vegetative planting materials lag behind those of true seeds. This imbalance will be corrected through judicious allocation of resources to concerned agencies to take necessary actions.

2.7 Government recognizes that a complex infrastructure is

required to maintain a continuing flow of improved seed of high-yielding crop varieties. Government shall make every effort to ensure that all essential infrastructural components are established and operated in the manner most beneficial to national agricultural and economic development. Cooperative and supportive participation of both Government and private sector are required to ensure efficient use of funds and national resources, while providing the most effective service to agriculture. It shall be the responsibility of both the public and private sectors to conduct those essential activities in which they are most competent, in close coordination and cooperation with relevant participating agencies.

2.8 The overall strategy should lead to a situation where, in

general, activities/components of a public-service nature

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which normally require some form of subsidization shall be conducted by Government and its subsidiary organizations. All activities/components of a commercial, market-responsive nature, and in which the private sector is willing to invest in such a manner as to efficiently serve all or part of the national needs, shall be the responsibility of the private sector, appropriate.

3. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE 3.1 Government is aware that the current economic conditions

prevailing in the country may not be conducive to the full achievement of the above objectives and the fulfillment of the foregoing strategy. Government will therefore rely on its friends and development partners to compliment its efforts in developing the necessary seed industry structures and will maintain necessary dialogue towards that end.

4. ADMINISTRATION 4.1 National Seed Committee

4.1.1 Under the authority of the Minister of Agriculture and reporting to him, a National Seed Committee (NSC), established under the Seed Law of Afghanistan, shall be charged with the overall responsibility for advising the Government on matters relating to the Seed Law, seed industry planning and implementation of this seeds policy.

4.1.2 The NSC shall be composed of representatives drawn from all relevant stakeholders of the seed sector. The terms of reference of the NSC shall reflect its crucial role of serving as guide, counsel, arbitrator and lobbyist on behalf of the seed industry. The NSC will meet periodically and will organize meetings to review progress of the national seed programme.

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4.2 Variety Release Committee

4.2.1 For variety evaluation, release and withdrawal, a Variety Release sub-Committee (VRC) shall be constituted by the NSC. The VRC shall be made up of relevant technical members of the NSC and other co-opted researchers and relevant experts outside NSC who may be relevant to specific crops or varieties being considered. The procedures for variety release will be formulated and presented to the Minister as one of the early acts of the NSC.

5. CROP AND SEED RESEARCH 5.1 Priority Crops

5.1.1 It is expected that a large part of the seed industry would be concerned with the seed needs of wheat which is the predominant crop. However, emphasis will also be placed on maize, rice, barley, pulses and oil crops, which are also important for the achievement of food security. Furthermore, there is urgent need to develop the national capacity for the production and supply of vegetable seeds such as onion, tomato, cauliflower and carrot. It is also essential for the seed industry to play a supportive role in crop diversification efforts of the Government by addressing the needs of both true seeds and vegetative planting materials of crops including potato and fruit trees. The MAAHF shall update the list of priority crops to keep it in pace with the requirements of the nation.

5.2 Variety Development,

5.2.1 Government recognizes that the basis of seed supply is improved genetic materials developed by research, in a form that can enhance crop performance, particularly, crop yields. As many aspects of crop research are public-service-type

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operations, it shall be the responsibility of appropriate Government agencies to conduct such research. Therefore, all attempts will be made to ensure that the national agricultural research system is adequately resourced to undertake crop improvement activities for priority crops. For the medium term, the Government acknowledges the responsibility it has to fund agricultural research, but will encourage private sector involvement that supports national priorities. Government is aware that investment prospects in agricultural crop research are not attractive at the moment. They are, however, expected to improve in the medium term, as the seed industry matures, supported by a regulatory framework and a conducive investment environment. 5.2.2 In view of the high cost of basic research, the national agricultural research programme will continue to encourage collaboration with relevant international, regional, national and private institutions, adopting as far as is possible, adaptive research techniques to achieve desired goals. Research will continue to participate in international initiatives of strategic importance, obtaining from these the most promising germplasm for inclusion in the national breeding programmes. Considering the limited resources currently available, the primary ‘breeding’ effort should be directed towards identifying well-adapted lines of material obtained from the international centres and the improvement of existing ‘landrace’ populations. 5.2.3 Government shall permit and encourage any qualified private-sector agency in conducting varietal research. Research results and solutions developed by Government agencies shall be freely available to, and exchanged with, the private sector. Government will ensure that as plant patent laws are developed, their requirements, including royalty payments, shall apply in this context.

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5.3 Varietal Adaptation Testing

5.3.1 To ensure release of superior materials as new varieties and hybrids are developed, it is essential to test them under conditions similar to those under which farmers will grow them. Government recognizes that such testing is a public-service activity, and shall be conducted by Government agencies, in accordance with specified procedures and for a period of time adequate to ensure correct identification of improved lines. This, however, in no way limits or restricts the testing activities of private-sector agencies in carrying out their work.

5.3.2 As far as possible, Government may allow test results from officially-recognized private-sector research/testing programs to be included in the testing requirements for the release of new varieties.

5.3.3 Varieties/hybrids developed by the private sector may be included but are not required to be included, in Government-conducted trials and research, and shall be eligible for inclusion in official variety lists and certification.

5.4 Variety Registration 5.4.1 All varieties, both domestic and imported, that are used for the purpose of seed multiplication shall be registered under the Seed Law.

5.4.2 The NSC will maintain the National Variety List containing details of varieties that are registered and eligible for certification and will regularly publish this list in the required manner.

5.5 Control of Varieties and Variety Ownership

5.5.1 Government accepts that although considerable expense is involved in developing an improved variety, immense benefits from varietal research derive to farmers and the national food supply. To encourage variety

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development research and permit recovery of development costs, appropriate laws and/or regulations shall be developed to permit the breeder/developer to control seed production/supply of his varieties so as to benefit financially from his development investment, while serving the needs of farmers and the nation's agriculture.

5.6 Farmers’ Rights

5.6.1 Farmers will maintain their right to use, exchange, share or sell their farm-saved seed between themselves without any restriction and will have the right to continue using any varieties of their choice without being hampered by the system of compulsory registration provided they do not commercialize production emanating from proprietary varieties.

6. SEED PRODUCTION

This is a limited generation system of seed production, which is degenerative downwards from Breeder to certified seed classes.

6.1 Generation System of Seed Multiplication

6.1.1 Afghanistan shall follow a four-generation system of seed multiplication, which recognizes four seed classes namely, breeder, foundation, registered and certified seed. 6.1.2 Breeder seed is the progeny of nucleus seed. Breeder seed will be under direct control of the breeder or breeding station and will be used for the production of foundation seed. 6.1.3 Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed. The may be produced under the responsibility of the breeder or under the supervision of a knowledgeable seed technologist according to the generally accepted practices for the

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maintenance of the cultivar and it is intended for the production of registered and certified seed classes. 6.1.4 Registered seed is the progeny of Foundation seed.

Registered seed may be produced from foundation seed, under supervision, and with approval of the national certification agency, which will ensure maintenance of genetic purity and identity. 6.1.5 Certified seed will be produced from Foundation or

Registered seed and the production will be largely carried out by contract seed growers.

6.2 Early Generation Seed Maintenance and Supply

6.2.1 Maintenance and supply of early generation (breeder and foundation) seed of improved varieties and hybrids are the responsibility of the agency which develops the variety/hybrid. Government shall ensure that Government breeding programs have the capabilities in terms of staff/facilities/budgets to ensure timely supply of the required amounts and kinds of breeder and foundation seed.

6.2.2 Government-produced foundation and other early generation seed shall be freely allocated at reasonable cost to qualified private-sector agencies upon request, as and when it is available and in accordance with established requirements for variety control and in compliance with Variety Protection Laws which may be enacted.

6.2.3 Every effort shall be made to produce early generation seed adequate to meet all appropriate requests. Private sector agencies may make advance requests to ensure allocation of such seed, through appropriate channels established for that purpose.

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6.3 Seed Conditioning

6.3.1 As an essential seed supply operation, conditioning/processing shall be developed in such a manner as to provide the needed services most efficiently for the seed supply system and seed-using farmers. The national seed industry plans should ensure that conditioning facilities are established and operated so as to provide the best service. All seed agencies, both public and private sector, shall be encouraged and assisted to develop and maintain their own up-to-date, efficient seed conditioning facilities.

6.3.2 The public and private sector seed agencies shall be encouraged to provide conditioning services to small or new seed operations on a fee basis, to assist in developing the seed industry.

7. SEED QUALITY ASSURANCE 7.1 Quality Standards

7.1.1 The planting value of seed depends on its quality, as measured by internationally-established quality-testing procedures. The focus of all seed activities shall be to provide seed with the highest-quality attributes (including genetic, physical, physiological, and phyto-sanitary quality components) which is economically feasible. Therefore, in order to ensure maximum benefits to farmers, any seed offered for sale shall comply with all applicable quality requirements, and all seed operations and activities shall make every effort to provide seed of maximum quality.

7.1.2 Under the aegis of the NSC, and through expert consultation of all relevant national and international experts, minimum quality standards for seed germination, physical and varietal purity, seed health, etc. will be developed as one of the first acts of the NSC following its formation.

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7.1.3 The required seed standards as well as field standards for different categories of seed production fields shall to the extent possible be in compliance with international norms, but in all cases achieving a balance between the needs of farmers for high quality versus realistic production capabilities under current agro-economic conditions and resource base. 7.1.4 Initially seed quality standards are expected to be modest and in accordance with Regulations issued under the Seed Law. However as the seed industry and its technology develop, standards shall be expected to rise in order to provide improved service to farmers.

7.1.5 In emergency situations, certain aspects of seed quality standards which do not unduly affect genetic quality may be relaxed temporarily in order to allow adequate quantities of seed to be sourced locally.

7.2 Seed Quality Control Mechanisms

7.2.1 External Seed Quality Control 7.2.1.1 The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food shall appropriately maintain and conduct those external quality control systems (e.g., Seed Law, Certification, service testing laboratories, etc) required to protect both seed users and seed suppliers. An adequately equipped, staffed and funded quality control agency shall be maintained, and all seed in the formal sector offered for sale shall be subject to requirements of the Seed Law. Considering the current small size of the national seed programme, such quality control activities shall be entrusted to the Seed Industry Development Project (SIDP) which is described under Chapter 11.3., until such time as permanent arrangements are made under the Seed Law

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7.2.1.3 As a means of helping develop a quality-oriented seed industry and achieving high seed quality, Government shall pursue the development of an operationally-independent seed Certification, and all seed agencies encouraged to participate to the fullest extent. Certification, in terms of standards, procedures, concept and methodology, shall comply with internationally-recognized norms.

7.2.1.3 While certification of seeds of the major field crops such as wheat, barley, maize and rice produced and marketed by the formal sector is recommended, it shall not be compulsory. Seed which complies with Seed Law requirements may be freely sold without Certification. Further, as may be specified in plant variety protection laws, disclosure of parentage of proprietary varieties/hybrids shall not be required in order to enter them into Certification. 7.2.1.4 The government shall establish a separate agency to be named Seed Control and Certification Agency shall be established and all seed quality control functions of the Seed Industry Development Project including certification shall be finally transferred to it.

7.2.2 Internal Seed Quality Control 7.2.2.1 Government is aware that adequate control of seed quality requires constant supervision, checking, inspection and testing. To ensure effective quality control, every seed program shall be encouraged by Government to maintain its own internal quality control system.

7.2.3 Plant Protection and Quarantine 7.2.3.1 Government will seek to strengthen regulations and provide, with the assistance of development partners,

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the required resources to the Plant Protection and Quarantine Department (PPQD) to conform with IPPC standards so that adequate scientifically-based safeguards are developed at the country’s borders to prevent introduction of new plant pests and diseases which would affect crop production, As far as possible, plant quarantine relations will be harmonized with those of neighboring countries to enhance movement of seeds across the borders.

7.3 Seed Law

7.3.1 It is noted that a realistic Seed Law which reflects current requirements, constraints and capabilities is essential to ensure reliable standards of seed quality, protect seed users and suppliers, and develop a quality-oriented seed industry. Government shall therefore establish and maintain current a Seed Law which reflects policy and overall measures in the long-term. Under this Law, day-to-day operating details shall be established through Regulations under the Law, which shall be issued by the Minister, MAAHF, in accordance with provisions for issuing Ministerial Decrees.

7.4 Seed Testing

7.4.1 In view of the essential role of rapid, reliable and accurate tests of seed quality in the conduct of the seed industry, Government shall establish and maintain a network of adequately equipped and staffed official seed testing laboratories in locations that permit quick delivery of samples and rapid receipt of test results. All operations shall be conducted in full compliance with procedures of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

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8. SEED DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING 8.1 Basic principles

8.1.1 Government shall encourage and support the establishment and operation of a private sector-led distribution system, which makes improved seed available to all possible farmers in all crop production areas, within their zone of mobility. 8.1.2 Distribution and marketing of seed of any variety emanating from formal seed sector seed agencies to farmers for the purpose of sowing and planting will be allowed only if the said variety has been registered by the National Seed Committee.

8.1.3 For all intent and purpose, seed should be sold on the basis of cash or on credit as appropriate. Agencies can only engage in free distribution of seed in the case of emergency or relief and the intended beneficiary communities and farmers have to be identified in collaboration and agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture. 8.1.4 No attempt should be made by agencies to distribute free seed that could undermine commercial sales of seed. This excludes small quantities of seeds meant for promotional purposes.

8.2 Market Support and Coordination

8.2.1 Marketing should serve as a means of promoting farmer acceptance and use of improved seed. The MAAHF shall do its utmost to support and coordinate honest, effective and intensive marketing efforts in both government and private sectors. This shall include, but not be limited to, assistance in marketing campaigns, developing promotional methods and materials, emphasizing seed in agricultural extension and farmer training programs, etc.

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8.3 Seed Extension and Promotion

8.3.1 As a primary means of educating farmers towards acceptance and use of improved technologies, the MAAHF shall be required to develop, promote and maintain to the maximum extent possible, a strong extension programme aimed at the promotion of improved varieties.

8.3.2 The extension department shall organize and maintain seed appreciation programs to (1) promote and encourage farmer use of improved seed, (2) guide and assist the informal seed sector, and (3) assist and encourage the formal seed sector.

8.4 Seed Import

8.4.1 It is noted that from time-to-time, stock seed must be imported for research and development purposes. Import of some seed for use by farmers may also sometimes become necessary and in the national interest. All possible Government assistance shall be provided to any Government or private-sector agency which requests import clearance of such seed, within procedures specified in appropriate regulations established under this policy. Administrative procedures required shall be minimized so that delays do not occur. Only normally-applied seed quality standards, in both Afghanistan and the country of origin, and Afghanistan and internationally-recognized plant quarantine standards shall be required. The ISTA Orange Certificate will be employed where necessary to ensure that the requirements of seed quality and varieties specified in tender documents are respected. Small quantities of seeds required for research purposes need not be subject to the foregoing clearances except regular plant quarantine checks.

8.5 Seed Export

8.5.1 Local climate and agro-economic conditions may be found to be ideally suited to the production of high-quality seed of some special and/or labor-intensive crops.

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Production of such seed for export, either in excess of domestic needs or specifically for export will increase farm incomes, support the national economy and earn foreign exchange. Government shall therefore provide to private-sector agencies producing seed for export, all officially-provided incentives and supports similar to those available to other promoted and/or export-oriented activities in the country.

9. GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS (GMCs) 9.1 Government has taken note of the world debate relating to

the newly emerged technology of genetically modified crops, particularly its potential to serve as an important tool for the feeding of the world’s burgeoning population and its potential side effect as a bio-hazard. For this reason Government supports current international efforts aimed at researching the possible side effects of this new technology with a view to eventually develop appropriate bio-safety protocols. Government will follow the progress of GMC research and development and will as far as possible investigate the applicability and benefit of relevant aspects to the Afghan situation. At the appropriate time, when this has been done to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, Government will determine the extent and mode of incorporation of relevant aspects of genetically modified crops into the agriculture of Afghanistan.

10. SEED SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 10.1 Private Sector Promotional Benefits

10.1.1 Government recognizes the important role of the private sector in certain aspects of seed supply, and in providing required seed at minimum Government expense and minimum cost to farmers. Government therefore expects

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the private sector to play a major role in seed supply, and shall provide all possible support, as specified in this policy or established in supportive Laws and Regulations. Private sectors both domestic and multinational are encouraged to get involve in seed enterprise.

10.1.2 It shall be the aim of Government that in order to encourage private-sector seed supply, private-sector agencies which invest in a specified manner in seed supply activities shall be eligible to receive such incentives as tax exemptions, import and export privileges, special-rate loans and financing, guaranteed repatriation of profit (in the case of international companies), etc., with the aim of promoting investment in any identified priority area.

10.2 The informal Seed Sector 10.2.1 It is recognized that the informal sector, made up of farmer saved seeds and exchanges as well as supplies from local markets is currently the predominant source of seeds in Afghanistan. In view of this, the MAAHF will support and enhance the informal seed sector, encouraging its role in supporting household food security, as well as catering to the crops, which are not in the portfolio of the seed programme, while at the same time encouraging relevant informal sector participants to systematically evolve into formal sector entities.

10.2.2 Interventions aimed at assisting the informal sector, which shall include extension education, specific seed related training schemes, research assistance in participatory breeding techniques and development of simple seed conditioning and storage facilities, shall be conduced by the MAAHF’s extension services.

10.3 National Reserve Seed Stock

10.3.1 Government is faced with the reality of the fragile agro-climatic situation of Afghanistan, which renders the

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country extremely prone to agricultural disasters. Interventions aimed at minimizing the impact on such disasters have included the distribution of emergency seeds from both local and external sources, with sometimes serious quality, adaptation and phytosanitary implications for the country. To address this, the MAAHF will liaise with all concerned agencies and donors to create a system of national reserve seed stocks, which shall then be the main source of seeds for meeting emergency seed needs. Such stocks shall be well managed in a revolving fund-type operation to minimize cost. Where external seeds have to be imported to augment the national reserve seed stock, necessary clearances regarding seed quality and variety adaptability shall be prime and prior requirements, irrespective of the funding source.

10.4 Seed Industry Data and Statistics

10.4.1 Correct, detailed and up-to-date data on seed use and planned needs is essential for seed suppliers to plan production and distribution; farmers also need such information on seed availability. The MAAHF, acting through the National Seed Committee, shall establish and maintain a system to collect and disseminate such information on a current and timely basis, so that it can support management and decision-making by seed suppliers and users.

10.5 Credit for Seed-Users 10.5.1 Government shall consult with institutional credit agencies with a view to promoting and encouraging crop production credit for farmers. When farmers have access to adequate credit patronage of improved seed is enhanced thus promoting the growth of the seed industry.

10.6 Credit for the Seed Industry

10.6.1 Government shall similarly facilitate availability of credit for seed industry firms, at concessionary rates for the promotion of investment in the seed industry. Such credit

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shall be available for financing capital expenditures, operating expenses, and seed inventories. Government shall request relevant credit institutions to ensure that collateral requirements are minimized as far as possible.

10.7 Training and Technology Application

10.7.1 Government has noted that production and supply of improved seed requires practical application of high technology in all activities. Government shall therefore actively support and pursue the development and training of relevant seed industry operators in appropriate technologies. Relevant activities in this regard shall include but not be limited to introduction of new research developments, training courses, conferences, meetings, publications, bulletins, manuals, etc. Where opportunities for such capacity building activities are lacking locally, Government will rely on the assistance of its development partners towards having the relevant training overseas.

11. IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES 11.1 Towards implementation of the National Seeds Policy,

Government shall, with the coming into force of the policy, begin to establish and bring into effective operation the following activities, and others as identified and deemed appropriate.

11.2 Establish and activate the National Seed Committee to perform its oversight and coordination role as explained in Chapter 4.1.1.

11.3 Establish and operate a Seed Industry Development Project

or any other project of similar function with any other appropriate name, within the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food. The SIDP shall provide direct support, guidance, and assistance to any private-sector agency or

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persons interested in or participating in any activity of the seed industry. It shall serve as a focal point for providing assistance available from other agencies, and in cooperating and coordinating activities and obtaining support for the private sector.

11.4 The SIDP shall study and make recommendations for the

amendment of laws and regulations, which provide special investment incentives, benefits available to investors in government-specified priority activities so that such benefits are available to private-sector firms in the seed industry.

11.5 The SIDP shall assist in establishing and conducting those

support components and activities of a public-support nature, including external seed quality control, which are essential for efficient supply of improved seed. Such components and activities shall be organized in a manner appropriate for efficient operation, adequately funded, and operated in accordance with international standards and norms for such activities.

12. ENTRY INTO FORCE 12.1 Effective Date

12.1.1 This National Seeds Policy shall be effective as of August 2005. All the components of the policy shall have long-term application, and shall continue in force indefinitely, until specifically modified under provisions of this Policy. However, such modifications shall not change the intent or philosophy of this National Seeds Policy.

12.2 Applicability

12.2.1 Government recognises that this policy statement does not have force of law but Government expects that all participants active in the seed sector will respect the content and spirit of this policy. The Minister may introduce

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legislation and regulations to support some aspects of the seed policy in order to be able to regulate some aspects of the seed policy. Government will introduce a Seed Law, a Variety Protection Law and Plant Quarantine Legislation as key supportive legislations the appropriate stages. Such supportive legislations shall not change the long-term intent of the National Seeds Policy to support, develop, and improve the seed industry of Afghanistan.

12.2.2 It is the intention of Government that the National Seeds Policy shall become a part of, and shall operate in support of, the overall National Development Policy and National Agricultural Policy.

13. POLICY ADVISORY AND UPDATING 13.1 To keep this National Seeds Policy current and applicable to

changing conditions, the NSC will from time to time make recommendations to the Minister on relevant issues of importance to the seed industry. The Minister shall consider such recommendations, discuss them as appropriate, and in accordance with applicable laws, issue modifications in the National Seeds Policy to improve its suitability and applicability to current conditions without changing its long-term intent and validity.

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national seeds policy 2008... · 2008. 7. 2. · beans), melons and cotton. although...

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