Seed (Amendment) Act, 2026

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Seed (Amendment) Act, 2026 to amend the Seed Act, 1976 and establish a unified regulatory framework for seed certification, variety registration, quality control, and the administration of seed-related matters in Pakistan.

The amendment replaces references to the Federal Seed Certification Department with the Authority, transfers the department’s functions and assets to the Authority, and introduces new provisions regarding the resignation and removal of the Chairperson and members.

What Changed Under the New Law?

“Authority” Replaces Federal Seed Certification Department

The amendment changes the terminology used in the Seed Act, 1976.

The words “Federal Seed Certification Department” are replaced with “Authority” in relevant provisions.

The amendment also replaces references to the “Federal Government” with the “Authority” in specified sections.

New Rules for Resignation and Removal

A new Section 3AA has been inserted to provide a formal mechanism for the resignation and removal of the Chairperson or members of the Authority.

Under the new provision:

• The Chairperson or any member may resign from office
• Resignation will take effect only after acceptance by the Prime Minister
• The Prime Minister may remove the Chairperson or a member on the recommendation of the Board
• Removal may take place if the person fails to discharge responsibilities or becomes incapable of doing so
• Insolvency can also constitute grounds for removal
• A person disqualified from employment in, or dismissed from, the service of Pakistan may be removed
• Conviction by a court of law may constitute grounds for removal
• Conflict of interest or actions prejudicial to the operation of the Authority may also lead to removal

What Powers Will the Authority Have?

The amendment expands and clarifies the functions of the Authority in relation to seed regulation.

Its functions include:

• Registering growers according to prescribed conditions
• Carrying out seed certification
• Conducting field inspections of crops
• Sampling and testing seed lots
• Checking purity, viability, germination capacity and health status
• Issuing certificates for seeds meeting prescribed standards
• Conducting post-control trials on certified seeds
• Sampling and analysing seed lots delivered to processing plants
• Arranging training courses for people engaged in the seed business

Variety Registration and Research Strengthened

The Authority will also conduct pre-registration checking of public and private sector varieties.

This includes assessing:

• Agronomic value and regional suitability
• Botanical descriptions of plant varieties
• Genetic suitability and adaptability

The Authority will register seed varieties after the required pre-registration checks, publish lists of registered plant varieties, propose procedures for maintaining seed purity, and conduct research in seed science and technology.

Review Mechanism Updated

Section 16 has been replaced with a new review provision.

A person aggrieved by a decision to cancel a certificate under Section 15 may apply for review before the Authority within 30 days of receiving the decision, subject to payment of the prescribed fee.

The power of review cannot be delegated by the Authority.

Federal Seed Certification Department to Be Transferred

The amendment provides for the transfer of the functions, powers, duties, rights, assets, funds and liabilities of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department to the Authority.

Contracts, agreements and obligations entered into by the department will be treated as having been entered into by the Authority.

Employees will also be given an irrevocable option to either continue in the existing civil service structure or opt for absorption into the Authority within the prescribed period.

Why Was the Law Introduced?

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the seed sector is important for agricultural productivity, food security and rural economic development in Pakistan.

The proposed reforms aim to improve agricultural governance, promote ease of doing business, encourage private-sector participation, expand digital services, rationalize public expenditure and streamline administrative structures.

The amendment is intended to establish a unified, efficient and transparent regulatory framework for seed certification, variety registration and quality control, while promoting innovation and ensuring the timely availability of high-quality seeds to farmers.

What Does the Amendment Aim to Achieve?

The legislation seeks to:

• Modernize the Seed Act, 1976
• Establish a unified regulatory framework for the seed sector
• Replace outdated departmental references with the Authority
• Strengthen seed certification and quality control
• Improve plant variety registration
• Establish clearer rules for resignation and removal of Authority members
• Transfer departmental functions, assets and liabilities to the Authority
• Strengthen review procedures for cancelled certificates
• Promote innovation in seed development
• Improve the availability of quality seeds to farmers
• Support agricultural productivity and national food security

Key Provisions of the Amendment

• The Seed (Amendment) Act, 2026 is introduced
• The Seed Act, 1976 is amended
• “Authority” replaces the Federal Seed Certification Department in relevant provisions
• A new definition of “Division concerned” is not introduced; the amendment instead focuses on the Authority terminology and institutional restructuring
• New rules for resignation and removal of the Chairperson and members are introduced
• The Authority receives expanded seed certification and registration functions
• Section 16 is replaced to establish a review mechanism
• Functions, powers, duties, rights, assets, funds and liabilities of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department are transferred to the Authority
• Employees are provided an option regarding continuation in civil service or absorption into the Authority
• The Act comes into force immediately

Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced the Seed (Amendment) Act, 2026 to modernize the legal and institutional framework governing the seed sector, strengthen certification and variety registration, transfer departmental functions to the Authority, and improve the availability and quality of seeds for farmers.