The Agrarian Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has held a session to discuss the draft law "On Seed Production."
According to the "Operative Information Center-OMM", the initiative comes at a critical time as Azerbaijan faces the dual challenges of resource depletion due to unsustainable agricultural practices and the adverse effects of global climate change. Ensuring food security remains a top national priority, and the production of high-quality plant products is essential to this goal. Providing farmers with superior seeds is a decisive factor in increasing agricultural efficiency, reducing production costs, and retaining capital within the country by decreasing reliance on imports.
The draft law aims to modernize the regulatory framework in the agricultural sector, incorporating new economic, control, and support mechanisms in line with ongoing reforms. It introduces updated definitions for seed production activities and clarifies the scope of relevant subjects and objects within the sector.
Key provisions of the draft include:
- International Standards: Aligning seed quality control and certification processes with international best practices.
- Digitalization: Implementing an electronic registration system for seed operators to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.
- Market Competition: Moving away from quota-based production of high-generation seeds to encourage private sector participation, fostering competition in selection and primary seed production.
- Regulatory Clarity: Defining the specific duties of seed inspectors and establishing clear protocols for the processing, utilization, destruction, packaging, and labeling of seeds.
The legislation also introduces provisions allowing legal and physical entities to import seeds of plant varieties not yet included in the State Register, provided they are for trial purposes on their own farms. This measure is designed to facilitate the testing and evaluation of new varieties under local agricultural conditions.
The adoption of this law is expected to have a significant impact on the sustainable development of the agrarian sector. Key anticipated benefits include the formation of a competitive environment for private selection, the establishment of a unified seed system, increased crop yields through the use of certified seeds, and the creation of favorable conditions for attracting private investment and organizing seed exports.
The Milli Majlis, as the legislative body of Azerbaijan, plays a central role in shaping the country's economic and agricultural policies. By refining the legal framework for seed production, the parliament aims to bolster the nation's agricultural resilience and long-term food security strategy.
