Wuhan Qingfa-Hesbeng Seed Co. Ltd. China and University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Wednesday inked a memorandum of understanding to work together on seed varieties, breeding, screening and production technology.

The MoU was duly inked by UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and the Chinese company General Manager Zhu Xiaobo at New Senate Hall UAF. The MoU was followed by seminar on Seed certification for crop improvement arranged by UAF Seed Science and Technology.
It was agreed upon that the Chinese seed company will provide hybrids varieties and breeding material for screen test and local seed production. The Chinese company will also award scholarships to outstanding and needy students. It will provide internship opportunity for students to gain practical and infield knowledge.
The UAF will map out projects to introduce the advanced research with seed industry. The UAF will include the course material recommended by Chinese seed company in its curriculum and academic program on seed science and technology.
Chairing the seminar, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that lack of quality and certified seed coupled with inappropriate methods of sowing were a matter of concern for the country. He also said: we are unable to get benefit from quality seed because it (quality seed) was being sown with broadcasting method. He urged the farmers to apply drill showing to enhance per acre production. He said that the University had introduced Seed sciences major in the degree programs. He said that Seed Centre was established to conduct the research and preserve the germplasm. He said that as you sow, so shall you reap.He said that agriculture sector faces the daunting challenges of climate change. He stressed upon the need to adopt innovative crop varieties complemented with quality seed to the farming community. Pakistan Seed Promotion Alliance President Dr Shakeel Ahmad Khan called for providing the enabling environment for seed sector.
He said that seed act is the hallmark step to address the issue at the national level. There is a dire need to aware the masses about the act and its implementation. He said professionals trained in seed regulations, and handling issues would help the county overcome the problems in the seed sector. He said that UAF sciences programs must be replicated in the other universities.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association President Dr Fawad Shah said that there is need to ensure the quality seed for the farming community as it will help in food security. He said that per acre productivity in the country was very low for which modern seeding and quality seed would pave the way for the development.
Zhu Xiaobo said that the collaboration will help address the agricultural issues. She said Wuhan Qingfa-Hesbeng Seed Co. Ltd is a leading seed company in China which is integrating with breeding production and domestic and international marketing of field crops and vegetables.
Dean Faculty of Agriculture Dr Muhammad Amjad said that the government must promote the drill sowing and quality seed especially for wheat and cotton. He said that that the country was losing the grains and fruits from 20 to 40 percent in the post harvest losses for which we have to promote the modern post harvest practices.
Seed Sciences Focal Person Dr Irfan Afzal urged the agricultural experts to come up with out-of-the-box solutions to the issues facing the sector and farming community. He said that most of the farming community was having small holding. He also called for ensuring good quality seed and giving training to the farming community about the latest seed methods.