BEIJING: China's seed regulations need to be overhauled to boost innovation and protect investment in new products, executives said this week, amid a renewed focus on the sector for its critical role in ensuring food security.
China's leadership has said in recent months the country needs a"turnaround" in its seed industry, which is plagued by counterfeit products and a huge number of similar varieties that offer little new improvements for farmers.
Delegates attending the CPPCC and parliament meetings submit proposals for new legislation during this time, although they do not all become law.China has more than 7,200 licensed seed companies but few have the capability for innovation, Xinhua also quoted Li Denghai, a parliamentary delegate, as saying.Some seed companies slightly change the traits of seed products and then promote them as new varieties, he said, which has caused a flood of similar products on the market.
Speaking on the sidelines of the parliament last week, Tang Renjian, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said the ministry is studying a plan to help its animal and plant breeding sector close the gap with foreign countries.