The Seedmen’s Association was formed over 20 years ago making it one of the oldest functioning Associations in the agricultural sector. The membership has been stagnant at around 25 companies involved in the import & distribution of seed.
Some of the members have been responsible for the productivity increase in farmer fields with the introduction of hybrid seeds over the last few years. Now the country has a vast range & choice of F1 hybrids for the progressive farmers. This has been a 100% Private Sector effort. The farmers are reaping the benefits now & the consumers too will benefit in the longer term with lower vegetable prices & better quality. The association has stood by & encouraged these companies to progress in this type of activity for the growth of the agricultural sector.
The main function of the association has been to maintain cordial relationships with the Ministry & also the Department of Agriculture & to lobby these institutions on issues regarding the seed trade as an when they come up.
Some such activities have been the representation of the Private Sector when finalizing the draft of the Seed Act, Quarantine issues on behalf of the membership, short-listing of the harmful weeds to the country etc.
The association is represented along with the Seed Producers
Association in the national Seed & Planting Materials Committee of the
Ministry of Agriculture which monitors the seed requirement on paddy &
other crops at the commencement of each planting season.
A delegation from the membership participates in the Asia Pacific Seed Association
exhibition & conference which is an annual event. This activity updates
the membership on new technology & trends in the world seed trade and
also are an opportunity to discuss business & share views with hundreds
of delegates from all over the world.
The current President of the association is Mr. Aruna Weerakoon & the mailing address is No. 289, High Level Road, Colombo 5.
