Category Seed Industry

Storage of Seed

The timing of Prosopis seed collection and subsequent planting programs can make it advantageous to have some means of storing viable, high quality seed. Before storing, of course, the seed must be properly dried. In storing, the respiration of seed must be…

Packaging of seed

        It is important to package seed in dry containers for proper storage. For small quantities of seed, these containers may be tin cans, jars, or pots that are glazed on the inside; even reinforced boxes or…

Assessment of Seed Quality

        Prior to storage or sowing, the physiological quality of the seed should be assessed; this is especially important if seed is to be stored for a long period of time before sowing. The following quality tests…

DRYING OF THE SEED

        Seed must be dried before it is stored or sown; if not, the seed can spoil and rot. In general, Prosopis seed should be dried to a moisture content of 10 to 12 percent, or even less, prior…

Types of Seeds

Local Varieties Local varieties are nothing but traditional varieties but which are susceptible to diseases and pests and are having long duration for maturity. In case of rice – Krishnakatukalu, Basangulu. High Yielding Varieties High yielding varieties are dwarf varieties…

Failure to increase oilseed output

Although, Pakistan 80 per cent cultivatable area is irrigated but the edible oil needs are met through imports. The import bill rising from Rs77 million in 1969-70 to Rs39 billion in 2002-03 has overburdened the exchequer. In 1970-71, oilseeds occupied…

Seeds as intellectual property: issues and controversy

The information age is set to revolutionise “the core human idea of property” (Pollack 1999). It all began with software. As software license agreements boldly proclaim, software products are merely licensed, not sold. Software licensing ideas are becoming increasingly popular…

Seed corporation’s sale on donors’ agenda

After the provincial food departments, the Punjab Seed Corporation is the next target of the world donor agencies insisting on the introduction of open market forces in the agriculture sector of the country, it is learnt. Various multinational companies operating…

Enhancing edible oil production

The population of Pakistan has increased from 32.5 million in 1947 to 149.5 million currently. The consumption of edible oil has also been increased proportionally from 0.3 million tons to 1.95 million tons during the last two decades. The population…

Debate on imported Bt cotton seed

  MULTAN: The farming community of southern Punjab gave a mixed reaction to a Punjab government’s decision to drop a proposal of introducing certified imported seed of Bt cotton in collaboration with Monsanto. Former Speaker and a progressive farmer Syed…