Baku: A new draft law "On Seed Production" has been prepared, APA reports. The draft law was discussed at today's plenary session of the Milli Majlis, consisting of 6 chapters and 27 articles.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft mandates the establishment of an information system, or Registry, by the institution designated by the relevant executive authority in the field of plant breeding and seed production. The Registry will consolidate information on breeding achievements, registered seed operators, agreements on the use of breeding achievements, and seed crops. Through digitalization, relevant persons will gain access to detailed information on seeds, including certificates confirming their varietal and sowing quality, as well as biological and economic indicators.

The draft law also stipulates that 50 percent of funds collected from fines for violations of seed production legislation, imposed by the designated institution, will be allocated to strengthen the social protection of its employees and enhance its material and technical base. The institution will determine the procedure for the distribution and use of these funds.

The new law will repeal the current Law No. 257-IQ "On Seed Production" from March 11, 1997, upon its enactment. Certificates issued to seed producers under the current law will remain valid for the specified period. The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in the first reading.