Kabul, 26 October 2008 - Afghanistan will soon formally register its new National Seed Association, which will become the main umbrella organization in the seed sector for advocacy and representation both nationally and internationally. In preparation for this landmark registration, up to 100 stakeholders from across Afghanistan gathered together at the National Seed Secretariat in Badam Bagh, Kabul for the first general assembly meeting of the National Seed Association.
This first meeting was organized under the aegis of the Variety and Seed Industry Development project, which is being implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) with funding from the European Union (EU). Amongst dignitaries at the workshop were H.E. Pir Mohammad Azizi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Eng. Mirdad Panjsheri, Chief Advisor and Chairman of the National Seed Committee.
Much of the meeting was devoted to a thorough review of the articles of association until unanimous agreement was reached on all its elements. The General Assembly then elected a 9 member Board of Directors who shall manage and supervise all activities of the association and enforce the articles of association. The new Board comprises representatives of the major stakeholders including the private sector, government seed institutions and an NGO seed producer. The Board will soon meet to elect its President and other executive members. Other matters deliberated by the General Assembly included a unanimous agreement on the membership structure and fees as well as the registration process of the articles of association.
With its 30 ordinary and 2 associate members, the Afghanistan National Seed Association led by its inclusive Board of Directors will work closely with the National Seed Committee in ensuring effective enforcement of the national seed policy and influencing quick enactment of the seed law by the Afghanistan parliament.
For more information please contact:
Assadullah Azhari
Information Officer
FAO Kabul Afghanistan
+ 93 (0) 700 274 515
assadullah.azhari@fao.org