Licence to scrutinize plant/seed imports

Import licences have been made compulsory for importing plants and seeds including potato seeds.

The Government has taken this decision to prevent the import of inferior seed and plant varieties to the country, said National Plant Quarantine Centre's Director D.H. Muthukudaarachchi. At present plants and seeds are imported illegally without Agriculture Department Clearance.

Due to import of inferior planting material, farmers have got accustomed to plants and seeds producing a low harvest.

Muthukudaarachchi said presently his centre issued nearly 2000 to 2500 licences annually for import of plant seeds and other planting material. Once the proposed Seed Act is enacted legal action would be taken through the centre against those importing plant and seed without permits.