What do you understand by the term 'seed quality'? Describe the regulatory and certification systems that are in place to ensure seed quality.

What is Seed Quality?

Seed quality encompasses several characteristics, broadly categorized into genetic and physical traits. A high-quality seed should possess:

• Genetic Purity: The seed should be true to its type, maintaining the desired characteristics of the variety.
• Physical Purity: Absence of weed seeds and other extraneous matter.
• Germination Percentage: The percentage of seeds that germinate under favorable conditions.
• Vigour: The ability of the seed to germinate rapidly and produce strong seedlings.
• Seed Health: Freedom from seed-borne diseases.
• Uniformity: Consistent size and shape of the seeds.

Regulatory and Certification Systems in India

The Indian seed sector is governed by a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework designed to ensure seed quality and farmer protection. Key components include:

1. The Seeds Act, 1966 & Seeds Rules, 1968

This is the principal legislation governing seed production, sale, and distribution in India. It aims to regulate the quality of seeds and protect the interests of farmers.

• Establishment of Seed Certification Agencies: The Act mandates the establishment of State Seed Certification Agencies (SSCAs) to certify seeds meeting prescribed standards.
• Seed Inspectorate: Ensures compliance with the Seeds Act and Rules through inspections and sampling.
• Prohibition of Sale of Viable but Low-Quality Seeds: The Act prohibits the sale of seeds that do not meet the minimum germination standards.

2. Seed Certification Process

The certification process involves several stages:

1. Source Verification: Verification of the parent seed source to ensure genetic purity.
2. Field Inspection: Inspection of the seed production field to ensure adherence to isolation distances and other quality control measures.
3. Seed Sampling and Testing: Sampling of the seed lot and testing for germination, vigor, physical purity, and seed-borne diseases.
4. Certification: Issuance of a seed certificate by the SCMA if the seed lot meets the prescribed standards.

3. National Seed Board (NSB)

The NSB is a statutory body established under the Seeds Act. Its functions include:

• Variety Release and Notification: Approves new varieties for release and notifies them for cultivation.
• Setting Seed Standards: Recommends seed quality standards to the government.
• Policy Formulation: Advises the government on seed-related policies.

4. Seed Testing Laboratories

These laboratories play a crucial role in seed quality assessment. They are categorized as:

• Government Seed Testing Laboratories: Operated by the state governments.
• Private Seed Testing Laboratories: Accredited by the NSB.

5. Seed Varieties and Their Classification

The Seeds Act categorizes seeds into different classes, each with specific quality standards:

Seed Class	Description	Minimum Germination (%)
Nucleus Seed	Original seed produced by the breeder.	95
Breeder Seed	Seed produced by the breeder or authorized person.	98
Foundation Seed	Seed produced from breeder seed.	99
Certified Seed	Seed produced from foundation seed. This is the seed available to farmers.	90 (varies by crop)

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the existing regulatory framework, challenges remain:

• Counterfeit Seeds: The presence of spurious seeds in the market remains a significant concern.
• Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of the importance of quality seeds and the certification process.
• Climate Change Impacts: Climate change is affecting seed germination and vigor, requiring research and development of climate-resilient varieties.
• Increasing Demand for Hybrid Seeds: The increasing reliance on hybrid seeds necessitates stringent quality control measures to maintain yield potential.

Future directions include strengthening enforcement mechanisms, promoting farmer awareness, investing in seed research and development, and leveraging technology for improved seed quality assessment.

In conclusion, ensuring seed quality is paramount for agricultural productivity and food security in India. The existing regulatory framework, anchored by the Seeds Act, 1966, and supported by certification agencies and laboratories, strives to uphold these standards. However, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges like counterfeit seeds and climate change impacts. Strengthening the system through enhanced enforcement, farmer education, and technological advancements will be crucial for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.