Rise of New Plant Strains Stunted by Law, Industry Says
The Indonesian Seed Producers Association, or Asbenindo, wants the government to amend the law on the commercial distribution of seeds of newly developed horticultural varieties, arguing that its onerous requirements hamper innovation.
Horticulture covers the production of cut flowers, ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables.
The Plant Cultivation Law of 1992, enacted to ensure that seeds are fully certified and free of contaminants, treats the horticultural sector in almost the same way as the agricultural sector, with horticultural seeds having to pass three multilocation tests within two planting seasons before being sold to the public.
“The requirements are too expensive in the case of horticulture because it costs between Rp 75 million [$7,200] and Rp 100 million for the seeds of a new variety to get onto the market,” Helda Adiningrat, chairwoman of Asbenindo, said on Thursday.
'Seed producers hold meetings three times a year. At each meeting, some 70 new varieties of fruits, flowers and vegetables are introduced.'
Helda Adiningrat, Asbenindo
She said that unlike most food-crop seeds, which command very large markets, the horticultural seed industry was highly segmented and involved a vast range of varieties.
“We seed producers hold meetings three times a year. At each meeting, some 70 new varieties of fruits, flowers and vegetables are introduced by our members. That means about 210 new varieties a year,” Helda said.
However, she added, only a small number of varieties gain access to the market each year because of the tough certification requirements.
Commenting on the group’s request, Achmad Dimyati, the Agriculture Ministry’s director general of horticulture, said the current legislation was designed to protect farmers from low quality or uncertified seeds. But he acknowledged that the multilocation test requirement could be seen as somewhat excessive in the case of horticultural seeds, and he said he would consider the association’s request.
“It’s not like rice - almost all Indonesians eat rice. Horticultural products like orchids or guava have very limited markets,” Dimyati said.
Horticulture covers the production of cut flowers, ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables.
The Plant Cultivation Law of 1992, enacted to ensure that seeds are fully certified and free of contaminants, treats the horticultural sector in almost the same way as the agricultural sector, with horticultural seeds having to pass three multilocation tests within two planting seasons before being sold to the public.
“The requirements are too expensive in the case of horticulture because it costs between Rp 75 million [$7,200] and Rp 100 million for the seeds of a new variety to get onto the market,” Helda Adiningrat, chairwoman of Asbenindo, said on Thursday.
'Seed producers hold meetings three times a year. At each meeting, some 70 new varieties of fruits, flowers and vegetables are introduced.'
Helda Adiningrat, Asbenindo
She said that unlike most food-crop seeds, which command very large markets, the horticultural seed industry was highly segmented and involved a vast range of varieties.
“We seed producers hold meetings three times a year. At each meeting, some 70 new varieties of fruits, flowers and vegetables are introduced by our members. That means about 210 new varieties a year,” Helda said.
However, she added, only a small number of varieties gain access to the market each year because of the tough certification requirements.
Commenting on the group’s request, Achmad Dimyati, the Agriculture Ministry’s director general of horticulture, said the current legislation was designed to protect farmers from low quality or uncertified seeds. But he acknowledged that the multilocation test requirement could be seen as somewhat excessive in the case of horticultural seeds, and he said he would consider the association’s request.
“It’s not like rice - almost all Indonesians eat rice. Horticultural products like orchids or guava have very limited markets,” Dimyati said.