The seed industry includes both formal and informal systems—over 90% of cultivated rice is based on farmers’ own seeds which are often well below agronomic potential. But in spite of the absence of a quality assurance system, the informal seed system plays an important role in preserving local rice bio-diversity and seed security in rural areas. The formal seed system, consisting of research institutes, government seed farms, and extension systems is mainly managed by DAR and DoA. The many challenges the formal seed production system is facing include a lack of infrastructure in production, processing, and storage facilities, and quality control. International assistance is urgently needed in these areas, also to support R&D and extension services.