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Draft breeder plant law: Minfal asked to seek NGOs opinion

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Environment has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to elicit opinion of non-governmental organisations before promulgating its Plant Breeders Act.

Official sources said that the draft law was sent by the Agriculture Ministry to different ministries and provinces to know their opinion and recommendations.

The provinces and the ministries of commerce and law okayed it without any objection, while the Environment Ministry termed it incomplete in the sense as the opinion of the NGOs was not taken on a number of issues especially on the genetically modified seeds.

Ministry of Environment observed that before its promulgation the opinion of NGOs should also be taken to avoid any controversies in future.

Official sources said as the enforcement of WTO in future is imminent it was essential to enforce an act protecting the rights and interests of farmers against the multinationals.