High quality seeds to be imported from Holland

On the basis of report of the Seed Board, the Seed Section has already certified the Asterix variety of potato seed and very soon the other varieties will be certified.

Concerned officials and traders said several varieties of potato seed are now imported from Holland. Of them, Diamond and Cardinal are 90 per cent. These seeds are less vulnerable to virus.

During the last potato season, a virus 'scrab' attacked the Diamond variety of potato seeds, hampering the potato production in various districts, including Munshiganj, Comilla, Rangpur and Lalmonirhat.

The current season might be facing the crisis of potato seeds. That is why the initiative has been taken to import seeds from HZPC, the largest potato seeds producing company of Holland.

This time a new variety Felsina in place of Cardinal and Asterix in place of Diamond will be imported which are said to be more resistant against virus.

Besides, importers are awaiting approval of the Seed Board to import 10 new varieties, including Victoria, Baraka, Remarka, Courage, Innovation, Bintje and Zirala.

Commercial Manager of the HZPC told BDNEWS: "Nobody can supply virus-free seeds. We will ensure supply of good and quality seeds."

Director general of the Seed Section of the Agriculture Ministry Anwar Faruq said the country is facing crisis of quality seed.