The Nepal Seed Policy establishes a national framework for ensuring the reliable availability of sufficient quantities of high-quality seed of different crop varieties in order to increase agricultural production and productivity and improve farmers’ economic conditions. Its main objectives include developing an effective seed production, processing and testing system; promoting the production and export of quality seed; strengthening Nepal’s seed industry in the context of international trade; and conserving the genetic characteristics of Nepal’s distinctive local seed varieties and protecting associated variety rights. The Policy also promotes agro-biodiversity conservation, varietal development and registration, seed certification and quality control, and increased participation of the private and non-governmental sectors in seed production and marketing. The Policy further establishes measures to strengthen the entire seed supply system, including breeder, foundation, certified and improved seed production, buffer stocks, storage facilities, seed-testing laboratories and institutional capacity. Particular attention is given to maintaining seed supplies in remote areas, supporting farmers and registered seed producers, promoting disease-free planting material through modern biotechnology, and strengthening national food security through wider use of improved seed. The Policy also addresses biotechnology, genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), transgenic plants and tissue culture, requiring research and assessment of imported material to ensure that it does not adversely affect living organisms or the environment, and provides for the development and application of appropriate biosafety rules in Nepal.
Nepal · 2021-04-14