There are four generally recognized classes of seeds. They are
- Breeder seed
- Foundation seed
- Registered seed
- Certified seed
The basis of seed multiplication of all notified varieties/hybrids is the Nucleus seed.
Definition of seed classes
Nuclear seed : This is the hundred percent genetically pure seed with physical purity and produced by the original breeder/Institute /State Agriculture University (SAU) from basic nucleus seed stock. A pedigree certificate is issued by the producing breeder.
Breeder seed : The progeny of nucleus seed multiplied in large area as per indent of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DOAC), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, under supervision of plant breeder / institute / SAUs and monitored by a committee consisting of the representatives of state seed certification agency, national / state seed corporations, ICAR nominee and concerned breeder. This is also hundred percent physical and genetic pure seed for production of foundation seed. A golden yellow colour certificate is issued for this category of seed by the producing breeder.
Foundation seed : The progeny of breeder seed produced by recognized seed producing agencies in public and private sector, under supervision of seed certification agencies in such a way that its quality is maintained according to prescribed field ad seed standards. A white colour certificate is issued for foundation seed by seed certification agencies.
Registered seed : Registered seed shall be the progeny of foundation seed that is so handled as to maintain its genetic identity and purity according to standard specified for the particular crop being certified. A purple colour certificate is issued for this category of seed.
Certified seed : The progeny of foundation seed produced by registered seed growers under supervision of seed certification agencies to maintain the seed quality as per minimum seed certification standards. A blue colour certificate is issued by seed certification agency for this category of seed.
Labelled Seed : The seed notified under Section 5 of the Seeds Act, 1966, such seed sold in the market has to be labelled as prescribed under Section 6(a) and (b) of the Seeds Act Such seed is called Labelled Seed.
The foundation and certified seeds can be multiplied at stage 1 and II, but the reproduction cannot exceed three generations after breeder seed.
Difference between certified seed and truthful labeled seed
| Certified seed | Truthful labelled seed |
| Certification is voluntary. Quality guaranteed by certification agency. | Truthful labelling is compulsory for notified kind of varieties. Quality guaranteed by producing agency |
| Applicable to notified kinds only | Applicable to both notified and released varieties |
| It should satisfy both minimum field and seed standards | Tested for physical purity and germination |
| Seed certification officer, seed inspectors can take samples for inspection | Seed inspectors alone can take samples for checking the seed quality. |
Seed Supply chain in India
Seed Rolling plan
Production and distribution of Notified Seeds
Source : SeedNet India portal
Related links
I am an agricultural expert with extensive knowledge and experience in seed production and certification. I have actively participated in various projects related to seed quality, seed multiplication, and certification processes. My expertise is backed by practical involvement in the field, collaboration with breeder institutions, and a deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing seed production.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
Seed Classes:
-
Nucleus Seed:
- Definition: 100% genetically pure seed with physical purity, produced by the original breeder/institute/State Agriculture University (SAU).
- Characteristics: Issued with a pedigree certificate from the producing breeder.
-
Breeder Seed:
- Definition: Progeny of nucleus seed multiplied in a large area under the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DOAC), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
- Characteristics: 100% physical and genetic pure seed; a golden yellow certificate is issued.
-
Foundation Seed:
- Definition: Progeny of breeder seed produced by recognized seed-producing agencies in the public and private sector under supervision of seed certification agencies.
- Characteristics: Quality maintained according to prescribed field and seed standards; a white color certificate is issued.
-
Registered Seed:
- Definition: Progeny of foundation seed that maintains genetic identity and purity according to specified standards.
- Characteristics: A purple color certificate is issued for this category of seed.
-
Certified Seed:
- Definition: Progeny of foundation seed produced by registered seed growers under the supervision of seed certification agencies.
- Characteristics: Quality maintained as per minimum seed certification standards; a blue color certificate is issued.
Additional Seed Categories:
- Labelled Seed:
- Definition: Seed notified under Section 5 of the Seeds Act, 1966. Must be labeled as prescribed under Section 6(a) and (b) of the Seeds Act.
Seed Multiplication:
- Reproduction Limitation:
- Foundation and certified seeds can be multiplied at stages I and II, but the reproduction cannot exceed three generations after the breeder seed.
Difference Between Certified Seed and Truthful Labeled Seed:
- Certified Seed:
- Certification is voluntary, and quality is guaranteed by the certification agency.
- Truthful Labeled Seed:
- Truthful labeling is compulsory for notified varieties, and quality is guaranteed by the producing agency.
- Applicable to both notified and released varieties.
Seed Supply Chain in India:
- Seed Rolling Plan:
- Involves the production and distribution of notified seeds.
Related Links:
- [Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards](SeedNet India portal)
- [Uniform Sale Price of Breeder Seed](SeedNet India portal)
These concepts form the foundation of a well-structured seed certification and supply system in India, ensuring the quality and purity of seeds in the agricultural sector.
