The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has approved the draft law "On Seed Production" in its first reading. The legislation marks a significant step in the country's ongoing agricultural reforms, aiming to modernize the regulatory framework to meet contemporary economic and quality control standards.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the bill was discussed during the parliament's extraordinary session. The new legislation is designed to refine the legal basis for the agricultural sector, introducing updated mechanisms for oversight, support, and economic management. Officials noted that the draft law clarifies existing definitions and introduces new terminology essential for modern seed production activities.
A key focus of the bill is the alignment of seed quality control and certification processes with international best practices. The legislation explicitly defines the roles and responsibilities of seed inspectors and establishes clear protocols for the processing, utilization, destruction, packaging, and labeling of seeds. Furthermore, the bill promotes digitalization, mandating an electronic registration system for seed operators. This transition is expected to enhance operational efficiency, allowing stakeholders to easily access detailed information regarding seed varieties, biological characteristics, and economic performance indicators.
The draft law also seeks to revitalize the economic foundations of the seed sector. By shifting away from the previous quota-based production system for high-generation seeds, the legislation aims to foster a competitive market environment. This change is expected to encourage private sector participation in breeding and primary seed production, thereby stimulating innovation and investment.
The bill introduces several strategic benefits for the agricultural sector, including:
- Formation of a competitive environment for private breeding and primary seed production.
- Improvement of seed quality indicators and the establishment of a unified seed system.
- Development of the seed marketing sector.
- Reduction of reliance on imported seeds, keeping financial resources within the country.
- Increased agricultural productivity through the use of high-quality, certified seeds.
- Creation of favorable conditions for private investment and the potential for future seed exports.
Additionally, the law allows legal and physical entities to import non-registered plant varieties for trial purposes on their own lands, facilitating the testing and evaluation of new, high-yield varieties under local conditions.
