STATUS OF FRUIT SEED TRADE IN BANGLADESH AND TRADERS' PRACTICE FOR SEED QUALITY

Abstract

Seed is the vital component in the production of quality planting materials (QPM). A survey was carried out in 260 upzilla under 52 districts of Bangladesh during 2005-06 to study the status of seed trade of different fruit species in the country. The survey revealed that more than 20 fruit species traded in 531 seed stores and a total of 16288.10 kg seeds were sold out amounting Tk. 35.90 million. Variations in different fruit seeds traded in surveyed districts of Bangladesh were also observed. Significant number of seed traders expressed their awareness about the deterioration of seed due to attack of pathogens but did not take any measurement to protect their seeds. The present investigation showed that considerable amount of seeds of fruit species are being traded every year. as such, the issue of fruit species demands attention of the concerned authorities to take necessary action.