Sri Lanka to set up a seed bank

22 November 2011: A seed bank which will be set up in Sri Lanka will operate under common standards to be developed by countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC). South Asian states will also develop a common minimum quality seed standard (CMSD) and a seed testing procedure which will lead of a common seed certification system and seed standard among SAARC member states.

The bank will act as a 'regional seed security reserve' for member states and will support 'national seed security' efforts to address seed shortages and foster inter-country partnerships. The member states are expected to agree on common varieties of priority crops while recognizing the need to preserve indigenous varieties.

Source: Colombo Page