Developing Malaysian seed industry: Prospects and challenges
Efforts to increase food production for both domestic consumption and export in recent years, have stimulated interest in the usage of good-quality seeds. Quality planting material is one of the main factors that determines the success of a commercial crop production. Currently, there is insufficient supply of good quality planting materials in Malaysia to cope with the increasing demand, resulting in farmers using imported seeds. Therefore, to ensure a reliable supply, the seed industry in the country must be developed. This paper outlines the current status of the seed industry, the prospects of seed production in various commodities and the constraints facing the industry. The strategies to strengthen the seed industry are also discussed.