Seed certification

by:
Sreenija boyina
Seed
Certification
 Seed certification is a legally sanctioned system for the quality control of seed during seed
multiplication and production.

 As per Indian Seed Act seed certification is voluntary and it is not compulsory.

 The seed that is sold in the market is of two types certified seed or truthfully labeled seed.

 The seed, which is being certified by seed certification agency, is called as certified seed.

 The certification agency is a separate organization meant for certifying the quality of the seed and it
has nothing to do with seed production.

 The seed certification agency maintains certain strict standards before issuing the certification tag or
label.

 Whereas truthfully labeled seed is one which is being produced and marketed by the producing
company by maintaining the labeling standards.

 The farmer or the user of the seed does not know the pedigree of the truthfully labeled seed and he
has to relay on the seed producing company.

 Whereas the certified seed has to maintain both field and seed standards and if the seed lot meets
both the field and seed standards then only the certification tag or label is issued.
History of Seed Certification

International Crop
Improvement Association
Genetic (ICIA)
Contamination
In the 20th century, In 1919, representatives
newly developed from the USA and Canada
varieties lost their met in Chicago to address
identity due to genetic these issues and formed
contamination and the ICIA. This marked the
mechanical mixtures. beginning of modern seed
This prompted certification.
agronomists and Field Inspection Association of Official Seed
breeders to visit Certification Agency
farmers' fields and (AOSCA)
educate them on Field inspection
maintaining genetic emerged as a solution In 1969, the ICIA
purity. to maintain genetic changed its name to
purity. However, AOSCA, solidifying its
questions arose role in establishing and
regarding permissible maintaining seed
levels of contamination certification standards.
and mechanical
Procedure for Seed Certification

1 Receipt and Scrutiny of Application

Interested parties submit an application with the prescribed fee to the seed
certification officer. The application is then scrutinized for eligibility, seed
source, field accessibility, isolation, land requirements, processing plant
availability, and registration fee payment.

2 Verification of Seed Source, Class, and Other Requirements

The seed must be from an authentic source, belong to the appropriate class,
and comply with Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards .

3 Inspection of Seed Fields

Certified seed producers must grow and harvest the crop according to the
guidelines issued by the seed certification agency. Field inspections are
conducted at various stages of crop growth to ensure adherence to minimum
standards of isolation, preceding crop requirements, roguing, and other special
operations.

4 Post-Harvest Inspection
The seed certification agency inspects the fields during harvesting or post-
harvesting to prevent mechanical mixtures and ensure proper seed handling.
The seed is then sent to a seed processing plant with a threshing certificate.
 1. Receipt and scrutiny of the application

All those persons who are interested in seed certification should submit an
application in Form No 1 to the concerned seed certification officer with the
prescribed fees of Rs 25 /- . The fee is for one season for a single variety and
for an area up to 25 acres (10ha). If the area is more than 25 acres or if more
than one variety is planted separate applications should be made for each
variety. If the area is less than 25 acres under one variety but if the fields are
scattered and separated by more than 50 meters separate applications should
be made. On receiving the application the seed certification agency verifies
the following conditions:

1. Eligibility of variety : Only those varieties that are notified by the central
govt are eligible
certification.
2. Establishing the seed source : The seed producer should submit the tag , in-
voice , and a copy of
Form No 2 .
3. There should not be any difficulty in reaching the field for carrying out timely
field inspection.
4. Whether the required isolation and land requirement is followed or not.
Verification of Seed Source,
Class, and Other Requirements
Authentic Source
The seed must originate from a reliable and verified
source, ensuring its genetic purity and quality.

Appropriate Class
The seed must belong to the correct class, which is
determined by its pedigree and generation. This ensures
that the seed meets specific quality standards.

Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards

The seed must comply with the Indian Minimum Seed
Certification Standards, which outline the minimum
requirements for seed quality and purity.
Inspection of Seed Fields

1 Sowing
The first inspection occurs at the time of sowing to ensure that the new
crop is introduced correctly and meets the required standards.

2 Vegetative Stage or Preflowering Stage

Inspections are conducted during the vegetative stage or
preflowering stage to monitor plant growth and identify
any potential contaminants.

3 Flowering Stage
Field inspections are carried out during the flowering
stage to assess pollination and identify any off-types or
pollen shedders.

4 Post-Flowering or Pre-Harvest Stage

Inspections are conducted during the post-flowering or pre-
harvest stage to evaluate seed development and identify any
contaminants or diseases.

5 Harvest
The final inspection occurs at the time of harvest to ensure that the seed
is harvested properly and free from mechanical mixtures.
Method of Taking Field
Counts
Area of the field (in hectares) Minimum number of
counts to be taken

Up to 2 5

2-4 6

4-6 7

6-8 8

8-10 9

Above 10 10
Rejection of Seed Fields
Non-Compliance
If a seed field does not meet the required
standards for any factor, it is rejected.

Rejection Letter
A rejection letter is immediately communicated
to the seed grower, stating the reasons for
rejection.

Convincing the Seed Grower

The seed grower is convinced of the rejection by
showing the contaminants and explaining the
reasons for non-compliance.
Seed Sampling and Testing
Seed Sampling Seed Testing Laboratory Seed Standards

A representative sample is The sample is sent to an The sample is evaluated for

drawn from the seed lot at official seed testing seed standards such as
the time of processing or laboratory for evaluation. pure seed, inert matter,
after processing. other crop seed, weed
seeds, germination
percentage, and moisture
percentage.
Grant of Certificate, Tagging, and Sea

Certificate
After receiving a satisfactory report from the seed testing
laboratory, a certificate is granted to the seed producer.

Tagging
Bags of certified seed are tagged under the supervision of the see
agency.

Sealing
Bags of certified seed are sealed to ensure authenticity and preve
7. Control plot testing
8. Validity period
9. Revocation of certificate
10. Appeal against the certification
agency