Indian Seed Certification
The purpose of Seed Certification is to maintain and make available to public, through Certification, high quality seeds and propagating materials of Notified Kind and Varieties so grown and distributed as to ensure Genetic purity & Identity. Seed Certification is also designed to achieve prescribed standards.
Functions
  • Certify seeds of all notified Kinds and Varieties.
  • Outline the procedure for submission of applications for growing, harvesting, processing, storage and labelling of seeds intended for certification till the end to ensure that seed lots finally approved for certification are true to variety and meet prescribed standards for certification under the Act or the rules.
  • Maintain a list of recognized Breeders of seeds.
  • Verify, upon receipt of an application for certification that the variety is eligible for certification; that the seed source used for planting was authenticated; and the record of purchase is in accordance with the rules; and the fees have been paid.
  • Take sample and inspect seed lots produced under the procedures laid down by the Certification Agency and have such sample tested to ensure that the seed conforms to the prescribed standards of certification.
  • Inspect seed processing plants to see that the admixtures of other kinds and varieties are not introduced.
  • Ensure that action at all stages, e.g. field inspection, seed processing, plant inspection, analysis of samples taken and issue of certificates (including tags, labels, seals etc.) is taken expeditiously.
  • Carry out educational programmes designed to promote the use of Certified seed including a publication listing Certified seed growers and source of Certified seed.
  • Grant of certificates (including tags, labels, seals etc.) in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the rules.
  • Maintain such records as may be necessary to verify that seed plants for the production of Certified seed were eligible for such planting under the Rules.
  • Inspect fields to ensure that the minimum standards for isolation, rouging (where applicable), use of male sterility (where applicable) and similar factors are maintained at all times, as well as ensure that seed-borne diseases are not present in the field to a greater extent than those provided in the standards for Certification.