Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 328 on governmental policy in the sphere of seed breeding and validation of the Basic directions of governmental policy in the aforesaid sphere

Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan September 19, 1996. N 328 On government policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in seed breeding In order to improve seed breeding in the republic the Cabinet of Ministers has decided: 1. Approve the Basic directions of policy of Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in area of seed breeding as attached. 2. Assign the Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Uzbekistan as a body carrying out the control over realization of the Basic directions of the Government policy in seed breeding. The Ministry of Agriculture together with Uzbek Academy of Agricultural Sciences in bi monthly term shall develop and submit to the Cabinet of Ministers program measures on realization of the Government policy in seed breeding. 3. The control over execution of this resolution shall be entrusted to the Deputy Prime Minister R. Giniyatullin. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers I.Karimov Annex to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated September 19, 1996. #328 Basic Policy Directions of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in seed breeding Objectives of the policy 1. Taking into account paramount importance of improving seed quality, as significant factor in increase of productivity and economic efficiency of agricultural production, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan by this resolution adopts policy of the Government of Republic of Uzbekistan in the area of seed breeding. 2. The purpose of the Government policy in seed breeding is the realization of the following directions on support of agriculture in this sphere: · duly distribution of enough high yielding and high-quality seeds on market prices to producers of agricultural products; · assistance in development of infrastructure and services, creation of favorable conditions for private investments in seed breeding; · development of private sector in production of seeds, complying with interests of agriculture. Realization of the policy 3. At realization of the policy on seed breeding the Government shall: · approve under the Ministry of Agriculture establishment of Seed Breeding Development Association, basic purposes and tasks of which shall be: rendering of support and help to private enterprises interested and (or) participating in development seed breeding, coordination of activity of all other establishments directed on development and support of private sector in any area of seed breeding and (or) auxiliary infrastructure, periodic release of the directories on seed breeding; · create favorable conditions in attraction of foreign investments for organizations investing means for development of seed breeding irrespective of ownership status; · actively promote and support private investments in seed breeding; · support private sector in the field of production, delivery, export and other operations connected with seeds; · render state support private sector in supply of seeds of the best varieties and high reproductions, necessary for their further reproduction and variety renewal. Scope of application 4. The Government establishes stable, consecutive and long-term policy in the area of seed breeding with the purpose of maximal increase of high-quality seed deliveries for agricultural sector. All kinds of activity connected to production and delivery of seeds, and all auxiliary operations which are carried out by government agencies and (or) domestic and (or) foreign private sector, partially or completely in territory of Republic of Uzbekistan, shall be adjusted by this policy. Normative documents 5. With the purposes of duly and effective performance of tasks in area of seed breeding the Cabinet of Ministers as required and based on interests of agrarian sector of the republic shall issue normative documents according to policy in the area of seed breeding, shall amend them by necessary alterations and additions. Combination of interests of private sector and state 6. The policy in the area of seed breeding shall be a component of the Government’s policy in the field of agricultural development. As the maximal increase of supply of private sector seeds relates to national interests, in cases, when the programs of national and agricultural development conflict to the given aspect of participation of private sector, the preference will be given back to policy in the area of seed breeding, provided that the ultimate goal of actions undertaken according to the policy, comply with the purposes of the programs of national and agricultural development. Maintenance of quality seeds 7. The sowing value seeds depends on their quality determined according to established procedures of its control. The Government considers that all kinds of activity within the policy in the area of seed breeding should provide the best quality seeds, economic efficiency. For the maximal maintenance of interests of agriculture all offered seeds shall meet effective requirements to quality. Infrastructure and participation of different sectors 8. The Government understands, that maintenance of constant supply of high-quality seeds of zoned varieties needs complex technical, industrial and economic infrastructure. In its creation there is participation of both private and public sectors. Each sector will carry out those activities, in which it is the most competent, in close interaction with others. Kinds of activity of state support will be carried out by the Government and its authorized bodies. All kinds of activity of commercial character adequate to interests of the market, in which the private sector will express desire to invest means, will be in sphere of conducting private sector. The government agencies shall not interfere with their businesses, provided that activity of private sector do not contradict working norms determined by the legislative and normative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Governmental support of private sector and establishment of necessary structures 9. The Government shall recognize that the private sector has comparative advantages in organization of production seeds and procurement. According clauses of the present document the Government renders to the private sector all possible support. 10. In process of development of private sector in maintening high-quality seeds, the government agencies participating in the given sphere, accordingly will reduce the activity with the purpose of avoiding unfair competition with private sector, thus providing seeds for those farmers, which need seeds. If necessary the Government will apply all efforts for modification in the appropriate legislation, decisions and normative acts for promotement of private sector in maintaining production of maximal volume of sowing material. Direct support of the state in development of seed breeding 11. Production of seeds of some agricultural plants, not possible to cultivate by the private sector, shall be carried out by public sector or private sector, supported by the state. In process of strengthening private sector and expansion of seed production of mentioned plants by private sector the state support will decrease or will stop. Competition in seed breeding will be promoted. Cooperation with foreign firms and internal private sector 12. The foreign private companies engaged in seeds, may give seed industry new genetic materials and technologies for scientific researches and selection works within the limits of current legislation. For maintaining effective development of technology, improvement of work, reduction of expenses and satisfaction of demand in seeds the Government shall promote and support creation of foreign, domestic and joint ventures. Research works in the field of selection and seed breeding 13. Seed base will be supplied with the improved varieties created by selectioners of state research establishments. Scientific institutions creating on places their branches or acting as founders of seed breeding corporations, associations or other establishments, may bring in more essential contribution to improvement of varieties of agricultural plants, increase of incomes and take part in their distribution. Part of these incomes may be directed for support of domestic agriculture. Thus, any qualified private selection establishment will receive permission, will be promoted and supported in realization of researches. Results of researches carried out by state organizations, will be given to private sector on a contractual basis according to current legislation. 14. Important role belongs to seed technology and industry for improvement of both maintenance of quality and reduction of seed production price. Paramount object of support by the state shall be not only fundamental researches, but also introduction of the basic results of applied research works in view of local conditions. Private enterprises, which may carry out such works, will be promoted. The results of research works and state measures of support will be freely given to private sector according to international practice. Basic purpose of coordinating seed breeding activity is maintaining cooperation of seed breeding enterprises in definition of needs in research works and exchange of information. Developing, testing and zoning of new varieties 15. In order to provide production of selection material only of high quality in process of introduction of new varieties and hybrids the important meaning gets their testing in conditions approached to those, in which they will be cultivated. Such tests shall be carried out according to concrete procedures and during certain period of time, sufficient for maintaining correct revealing of the best varietal parameters and lines. 16. Varieties and hybrids innovated by private sector, shall be exposed to state tests and researches, and will be estimated in appropriate way. The best varieties and hybrids will be zoned and included in the official approved listings, and their seeds exposed to certification. Reproduction of seed fund 17. Reproduction and supply of seed fund (elite seeds), varieties and hybrids allowed for cropping, shall be carried out by that research establishment, which has developed them. Within the framework of the state selection program special establishment with enough personnel, equipment and means for maintaining duly delivery of required amount and variety of seeds. Private companies will carry out their own program on cultivation of new varieties by their means and supplied by necessary seeds under accessible prices, as seeds produced according to existing requirements for quality control. Control over varietal and sowing quality of seeds 18. For cultivation of new variety (hybrid) significant expenses are required. The Government with the purpose of promoting research work on cultivation of varieties and indemnification of expenses, within the limits of its powers shall adopt appropriate regulations and normative acts for ensuring protection of selectioners rights according to international norms and enable selectioners supervise production and delivery of seeds, their varieties and hybrids, for satisfaction of agricultural demand of the country and benefiting from their cultivation. 19. In order to provide an effective control over seed quality each seed breeding division shall have its internal service on quality control working according to international rules. The Government shall support in realization of such control stipulated by acts, and quality control of seeds imported into the republic. 20. In order to provide high quality seeds and preserve varietal purity quality control of fields and sites for cultivation of seeds shall be carried out. State bodies responsible for seed breeding, determine requirements to various categories of fields and sites on cultivation of seeds according to effective norms. Requirements may be amended in process of development of agritechnics and agricultural production technology. Certification of seeds 21. One of the measures on development of seed breeding and achievement of high quality of seeds, independent certification will be carried out at voluntary participation by all seed breeding establishments. Certification shall correspond to international norms from the point of requirements, order, concept and methodology. Legislation on seed breeding 22. In order to provide reliable standards of seed quality, protection of consumers and suppliers, and development of seed industry, focused on quality, important role belongs to acts, first of all to the Law on seed breeding, reflecting existing requirements and opportunities. All seeds, offered for sale, shall meet requirements of the Law on seed breeding. Complex program of regular sample selection and tests shall be carried out according to the Law on seed breeding. Testing of seeds 23. Correct testing of seeds plays important role in work of seed industry. The Government shall create conditions for work of official testing laboratories and stations network on places. They shall examine and deliver to customers seed breeding farms or firms samples for physical characteristics and germination not later than one day after their reception from these customers and firms and make conclusions on results within one day after ending of tests. Laboratories and stations shall be equipped by appropriate equipment and supplied with the qualified personnel, and their work will be organized according to recommendations of the International See Testing Association (ISTA). Standardization of seed testing 24. In order to provide regular delivery of seeds and developing of private sector, export and import of seeds it is required to achieve identical results of tests. With the purpose of unification of procedures and reception of identical (standard) results of tests the Government will ensure realization of the program on seed testing and train experts of the appropriate structure. Cleaning and conditioning of seeds 25. Facilities for cleaning and conditioning of seeds will be created as an important element of maintaining high-quality seeds. All private seed breeding establishments will be promoted at creation and maintenance of own modern and effective facilities for cleaning and storage of seeds. Distribution, transportation and selling of seeds 26. Government will to the utmost promote private sector in creation and development of such system of distribution, which will ensure agricultural producers by high-quality seeds in all areas of agricultural plants cultivation, located in available zone, by all possible ways support efforts of private sector directed on selling, by participation in the companies on selling as a founder. Determining demand in seeds 27. For planning of production and distributions seeds the suppliers should have correct and detailed information on use of seeds and foreseen demand in seeds. The Government shall organize work of system for duly collection and distribution of such information so that the system will assist suppliers and consumers of seeds in administration and taking decisions. The Government shall support and promote development of administrative information systems, which may be used by seed breeding firms for perfection of management. Educational programs 28. As the basic means of training of seed consumers in the field of using modern technologies the Government and private sector will develop and implement educational programs on application of highly productive seeds. Distribution of seeds 29. Only improved varieties of seeds irrespective of their sources of origin may be distributed. Import and export of seeds 30. Government will assist any establishment, which will request permission to import seeds for realization of research works according to order stipulated by appropriate normative documents, approved in development of rules of this policy in the area of seed breeding. The Government shall allow export of seed available, after satisfaction of internal national needs. The required administrative procedures at import and export of seeds will be reduced up to minimum and will be observed only internationally recognized quarantine requirements. The Government will render all possible assistance in acceleration of shipping, customs clearing, currency exchange, issuing letters of credit. Consultations in seed breeding 31. In order to provide conformity of the policy in the area of seed breeding the Government will promote creation of consultation centre under Seed Breeding Development with participation of representatives from both state bodies and private sector. The Centre will carry out regular sessions for consideration of all factors influencing production and use of seeds, and submit proposals to Government on policy in the area of seed breeding that it remained effective. The government will consider specified recommendations and take into account in perfection of policy in the area of seed breeding according to current legislation with the purpose of maintenance of its conformity to current conditions without change of long-term objectives and duration of its action.