LABELLING OF BREEDER SEED

Breeder seed shall be supplied in sealed containers, duly stitched and sealed. A cloth- lined label of
12 cm x 6 cm containing following information shall be fixed on the container.

Label No.

Crop
Variety
Class of seed
Lot No. Breeder seed
Date of test
*Pure seed %
*Inert matter %
*Germination %
**Oil content %
Producing Institution
(name and address)

*Based on actual.
**It shall be applicable for sunflower crop only.

„The container should also have printed on it and the kind, variety and name of Institution‟

2. The label shall be rubber-stamped with signature, name and designation of the concerned
breeder. Colour of the label shall be Golden Yellow No. 356 (IS:5-1978)
3. Every breeder/breeding institute shall maintain the account of labels printed and issued.
CONDITIONS FOR INTER-CROPPING DURING CERTIFIED SEEDPRODUCTION OF
OILSEEDS AND PULSES

(i) Inter-cropping will be applicable to oilseeds and pulses crops only for production of
certified seeds class. The foundation seed class shall be raised strictly as a single
crop only;
(ii) Other types of cropping patterns such as mixed cropping etc. will not be permitted;
(iii) The crops selected for inter-cropping should belong to different genus and preferably
with different maturity;
(iv) Only basic crop (Seed Crop) pertaining to oilseeds or pulses as the case may be will be
registered for certification and companion crop will not be eligible for certification.
(v) It should be ensured that the number of rows of seed crop alternating with the
companion crop are uniform throughout the field;
(vi) The Certification Agencies will prepare a list of the crop combinations which may be
followed in respective States. The list so prepared will be circulated among the seed
producers in advance. At the time of deciding the crop combinations, the Certification
Agencies will ensure that :
(a) the companion crop does not hamper the operation needed for seed crop;
(b) it does not starve the seed crop of nutrients and moisture;
(c) it does not mature simultaneously with the seed crop or it does not carry weed
seeds which may mix with the seed crop at maturity;
(d) it does not have common pests and diseases; and
(e) it does not render certification work difficult.
 CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR OTHER DISTINGUISHABLE VARIETIES

Maximum number of Seeds/kg

Crop Foundation Certified

CEREALS
1. Barley/Hybrids 10 20
2. Paddy/Hybrids 10 20
3. MaizeInbreds 5 -
4. Maize Hybrids - 10
5. MaizeComposites 10 20
6. Sorghum (O.P.) (Forage) 10 20
7. Sorghum Hybrids 10 20
PULSES
1. Mothbean 10 20
2. Lentil 10 20
3. Khesari 10 20
4. Green gram 10 20
5. Black gram 10 20
6. Pigeonpea 10 20
7. Bengal gram 5 10
8. Cowpea 5 10
9. Horse gram 5 10
10. Indian bean 5 10
11. Peas 5 10
12. Rajmas 5 10
Maximum number of Seeds/kg
Crop Foundation Certified
OILSEEDS
1. Soybean 5 10
2. Castor/Hybrid 5 10
3. Rapeseed/Mustard 10 20
4. Linseed 10 20
5. Niger 10 20
6. Taramira 10 20
7. Sesame 10 20
8. Jute 10 20
FORAGE CROPS
1. Cluster bean 10 20
2. Indian clover 10 20
3. Marvel grass 10 20
4. Oats 10 20
5. Rice bean 10 20
6. Stylo 10 20
VEGETABLES
1. Bitter gourd/hybrids 5 10
2. Ridge gourd/hybrids 5 10
3. Sponge gourd/hybrid 5 10
4. Water melon/hybrid 5 10
5. Okra 10 20
6. Amaranth 10 20
7. Kasuri methi/methi 10 20
8. Lettuce 10 20
9. Carrot/hybrid 5 10
 MAXIMUM LOT SIZE

Crop Maximum lot size (Quintals)

1 2
Cereals
Barley 200
Paddy 200
Wheat 200
Triticale 200
Millets
Maize 400
Sorghum 100
Pearlmillet (Bajra) 100
Barnyard millet (Sawan) 100
Common millet (Cheema) 100
Finger millet (Ragi) 100
Italian millet (Kangni) 100
Kodo millet (Kodo) 100
Little millet (Kutki, samai) 100
Pulses
Black gram (Urdbean) 200
Chikling vetch (Khesari) 200
Cowpea (Asparagus bean) 200
Rajmash (French bean) 200
Gram (Bengal gram) 200
Green gram (Mung bean) 200
Horse gram (Kulthi) 200
Indian bean (Sem) 200
Moth bean (Kidney bean) 200
Lentil 100
Pea 200
Pigeon pea (Arhar) 200

Oilseeds
Castor 200
Groundnut 200
Rapeseed &Mustard 100
Linseed 100
Niger (Ramtil) 100
Rocket Salad (Taramira) 100
Safflower (Kardi, Kusum) 100
Sesame (Til) 100
Soybean 200
Sunflower 200
Fibres
Cotton 200
Jute 100
Forages
Alfa alfa (Lucerne) 100
Berseem (Egyptian clover) 100
Birdwood grass 200
Buffel grass 100
Cluster bean (Guar) 200
Dharaf grass 100
Dinanath grass 100
Fenugreek (methi) 100
Guinea grass 100
Marvel grass 100
Oats 200
Rice bean 100
Setaria grass 100
Sweet clover (Senji) 100
Stylo 100
Teosinte 200

VEGETABLE CROPS
Tubers & Rhizomes
Seed potato 400
True potato seed (TPS) 100
Lesser yam 400
Cucurbits
Ashgourd (Petha) 200
Bottle gourd 200
Bitter gourd 200
Cucumber 100
Chow-chow 400
Indian squash (Tinda) 200
Longmelon (Kakri) 100
Muskmelon 100
Pumpkin 100
Ridge gourd 200
Snapmelon (Phoont) 100
Snake gourd 200
Sponse gourd 200
Summer squash (Vegetable marrow, chappankaddu) 200

Watermelon 200
Winter squash 200
Fruit Vegetables
Brinjal (eggplant) 100
Hot pepper (chilli) 100
Okra (Bhindi) 200
Sweet pepper 100
Rat-tail radish (Mungra) 100
Tomato 100

Green/Leafy Vegetables
Amaranth 100
Asparagus 200
Celery 100
Lettuce 100
Parsley 100
Spinach 100
Spinach beet 200
Cole Crops
Broccoli 100
Cabbage 100
Cauliflower 100
Chinese cabbage (heading and non-heading) 100
Knol-kohl 100
Bulb Vegetables
Garlic 400
Multiplier onion 400
Onion 100
Root Vegetables
Carrot 100
Celeriac 100
Garden beet 200
Radish 100
Sugar beet 200
Sweet Potato 400
Turnip 100
PROCEDURE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LOT NUMBERS

The lot number will have four parts. Each part will signify and conform to the details given as under:

1. First Part

This shall be called the “Month-Year Code” and will indicate the month and year in which the
concerned seed crop was harvested. The month will be represented by its abbreviated form and the
year will be represented by the last two digits of the calendar year, such as 89 for 1989 A.D., 90 for
1990 A.D., 00 for 2000 A.D. and 01 for 2001 A.D. The abbreviated form to be used for each month is
given as under:

Month Abbreviated form

January JAN
February FEB
March MAR
April APR
May MAY
June JUN
July JUL
August AUG
September SEP
October OCT
November NOV
December DEC

2. Second Part

This shall be called the “Production Location Code” and will indicate the State or UnionTerritory,
where the concerned seed field(s) was/were located. For this purpose, each State and Union Territory
is allotted a permanent numerical as shown below:

Numerical State/Union Territory

01 Andhra Pradesh
02 Arunachal Pradesh
03 Assam
Numerical State/Union Territory

04 Bihar
05 Goa
06 Gujarat
07 Haryana
08 Himachal Pradesh
09 Jammu & Kashmir
10 Karnataka
11 Kerala
12 Madhya Pradesh
13 Maharashtra
14 Manipur
15 Meghalaya
16 Mizoram
17 Nagaland
18 Odisha
19 Punjab
20 Rajasthan
21 Sikkim
22 Tamil Nadu
23 Tripura
24 Uttar Pradesh
25 West Bengal
26 Andaman & Nicobar Islands
27 Chandigarh
28 Dadra & Nagar Haveli
29 Delhi
30 Daman & Diu
31 Lakshadweep
32 Puducherry
33 Uttarakhand
34 Chhattisgarh
35 Jharkhand

3. Third Part

(a) This shall be called the “Processing Plant Code” and will indicate the seed
processing plant where the relevant lot was processed. For this purpose, the Certification Agency
shall allot a numerical commencing from 01 to each seed processing plant within its jurisdiction
irrespective to whom it belongs.
 (b) In crops like groundnut, potato, sweet potato, tapioca etc. which may not be
brought to the processing plant for post-harvest operations including grading, sorting, packing
etc. the individual centre where such operations are carried out will be treated as a “Processing
Plant” for assigning the Processing Plant Code.
4. Fourth Part

This shall be called the “Seed Produce Code”. It will indicate ultimate serial number of an
individual lot. The procedure for assigning this code will be based on unit of certification. For this
purpose, the Certification Agency shall allot a numerical commencing from 01 to each unit of
certification. However, if seeds of more than one unit are bulked together then bulked unit will be
treated as one unit. If the quantity of the seed from one unit of certification exceeds the maximum
limit of lot size, it will be further sub-divided into a separate lot, in such cases Roman numerical
commencing from (i) will be suffixed with seed produce code within brackets, for example if 586
quintals wheat seed is obtained from one unit of certification, it will necessitate the sub-division of the
produce into three separate lots (200, 200 and 186 qtls.) if 01 is allotted to “Seed Produce Code”, then
sub-divided lots will be represented as 01 (i), 01(ii) and 01(iii).

5. All the four parts of the lot number shall be written in series with a ‘dash (-)‟
between first, second, third and fourth parts to distinctly indicate the code number of each
part. Anexample is shown below:

Lot No. --- MAY 88-12-01-01

MAY 88 --- Seed harvested in May 1988.
12 --- Seed crop raised in Madhya Pradesh
01 --- Seed processed in a processing plant identified as number 01 by the MadhyaPradesh
State Seed Certification Agency.
01 --- Seed Produce Code which will trace to the particular unit of certification.
 SCREEN APERTURE SIZE FOR SEED PROCESSING

S.No. Crop Screen aperture size in millimeters

Top screen Bottom screen

1 2 3 4
Cereals
1. Barley:
2 Rowed 6.50 r 2.30 s
6 Rowed 6.50 r 2.10s, 2.20 s
2. Paddy:
Coarse grain/ bold type 2.8s, 9.0r 1.85s
Medium slender 2.8s, 9.0r 1.80s
Fine/superfine 2.8s, 9.0r 1.70s
3. Wheat :
T. aestivum 6.00 r 1.80 s, 2.10 s, 2.30 s
T. durum 6.00 r 2.10 s, 2.30 s
4. Triticale 6.00 r, 7.00 r 2.10 s, 2.30 s

Millets
1. Maize except popcorn 10.50 r, 11.00 r 6.40 r, 7.00 r
2. Popcorn 8.75 r 4.25 r, 4.75 r
3. Sorghum 4.75 r 2.10 s, 3.50 r
4. Pearlmillet 3.25 r 1.30 r, 1.30 s, 1.40 r,
1.40 s, 1.60 r, 1.90 r
5. Barnyard millet 3.25 r 1.40 s, 1.80 r
6. Common millet 3.80 r 1.60 s
7. Finger millet 3.25 r 1.40 s
8. Italian millet 3.25 r 1.20 s, 1.30 r
9. Kodo millet 3.80 r 1.60 s, 2.00 r
10. Little millet 2.50 r 1.60 r
Pulses
1. Black gram 5.00 r 2.80 s
2. Bengal gram 9.00 r, 10.00 r 5.00 r, 5.50 r, 6.00 r
3. Cowpea 7.00 r 3.50 r, 4.00 r
4. Green gran 5.50 r 2.80 s, 3.20 s
5. Indian bean (Sem) 8.75 r 4.75 s
6. Lentil 7.00 r 3.20 s, 4.00 r, 4.75 r
7. Pigeon pea (Arhar) 9.50 r 3.20 s, 4.00 r, 4.75 r
8. Rajmash (French bean) 11.0 r 4.75 s

Oilseeds
1. Castor 13.50 r 4.40 s, 6.00 r
2. Rapeseed & Mustard 2.75 r, 3.00 r, 3.25 r 0.90 s, 1.00 s, 1.10 s,
1.40 r
3. Linseed 4.00 r 2.00 r
4. Niger 3.20 r 1.20 s
5. Rocket salad (Taramira) 3.20 r 1.10 s, 1.20 s
6. Safflower 7.25 r 1.20 s
7. Sesame 2.40 r 1.60 r, 1.90 r
8. Soybean 8.00 r 4.00 s
9. Sunflower 9.00 r 2.40 s
Fibres
1. Cotton:
Fuzzy 14.30 r 5.20 s
Delinted 7.20 r 3.90 s
2. Jute:
Capsularis 2.40 r 1.20 r, 1.60 r
 Olitorius 2.00 r 0.80 r,1.00 r
Forages
1. Berseem:
Diploid 2.00 r 1.00 s
Tetraploid 2.40 r 1.20 s
2. Forage sorghum 4.00 r, 4.75 r 2.10 s
3. Guar (Cluster bean) 6.00 r 1.80 s
4. Guineagrass 2.10 r 2.40 x 0.65 m
5. Indian clover (Senji) 2.10 r 2.40 x 0.80 m
6. Lucerne 2.50 r 0.70 x, 0.70 x 0.70 m
7. Oats 7.50 r 2.00 s
8. Setaria grass 2.40 r 1.90 s
9. Sudan grass 4.00 r 1.20 s, 1.30 s
Vegetable crops
Cucurbits
1. Ashgourd 9.50 r 6.40 r
2. Bittergourd 11.00 r 6.50 r
3. Bottlegourd 11.00 r 6.50 r
4. Cucumber 8.00 r 2.00 r, 2.50 r
5. Indian squash 9.50 r 6.40 r
6. Longmelon 5.00 s 1.00 r
7. Muskmelon 5.00 s 1.00 r
8. Pumpkin 11.00 r 6.50 r
9. Ridgegourd 9.50 r 6.40 r
10. Snakegourd 9.50 r 6.40 r
11. Snapmelon 5.00 s 1.00 r
12. Spongegourd 9.50 r 6.40 r
13. Summer squash 8.00 r 2.00 r
14. Watermelon 6.00 r 1.80 s
Fruit Vegetables
1. Brinjal 4.00 r 0.80 s, 2.10 r
2. Capsicum (Sweet pepper) 4.00 r 0.80 s, 2.10 r
3. Chilli (Hot pepper) 4.00 r 0.80 s, 2.10 r
4. Okra (Bhindi) 6.00 r 4.30 r
5. Rat-tail radish 4.50 r 2.00 r
6. Tomato 4.00 r 0.80 s, 2.10 r
Greens/Leafy Vegetables
1. Asparagus 6.00 r 2.40 r
2. Celerey 1.80 r 0.40 s, 0.64 x 0.64 m
3. Fenugreek (Methi):
Large & Medium 3.25 r 1.20 s
Small 2.10 r 0.69 x 0.69 m
4. Lettuce 2.30 r 0.80 r
5. Parsley 2.75 r 0.75 s
6. Spinach beet 5.50 r 1.80 s, 1.85 s, 2.25 r
7. Spinach:
Round seeded 5.00 r 2.75 r
Sharp seeded 8.00 r 2.50 r

8. Coriander (All varieties) 4.25 r 2.5 s

Cole Crops
1. Cabbage 2.75 r 0.90 s
2. Cauliflower 2.75 r 1.10 s
3. Broccoli 2.75 r 1.10 s
4. Chinese cabbage (heading &Non 2.75 r 0.90 s
heading)
5. Knol-kohl 2.75 r 1.10 s
Bulbs crops
1. Onion 3.80 r 2.00 r
Root Crops
1. Carrot 2.30 r 1.00 r
2. Celeriac 1.80 r 0.40 s, 0.65 x 0.65 m
3. Sugarbeet:
Monogerm 9.00 r 3.00 r
Multigerm 9.00 r 2.50 s
4. Gardenbeet 9.00 r 3.00 r
5. Radish 4.50 r 2.00 r
6. Turnip 1.80 r 1.20 r

r = Screens with round perforations

s = Screens with slotted (oblong) perforations
m = Wiremesh sieves
SCREEN APPERTURE FOR SEED PROCESSING OF CERTAIN VARIETIES

S.No. Name of the Varieties/Hybrids Recommended

Crop BottomScreen Size
in millimeter

1. Sorghum CSH-1,CSH-5,CSH-6,CSH-9, SPH388, SPV-1359 3.2 r

2. Cotton AKA-4, AKA-5, AKA-9 2.8 s
3. Cotton DHY-286, AKA-8401, AKA-081, LRA- 3.2 s
5166,AKH-84365, NHH-44, PKV Hy-2, PKV
Hy-3,
Dhan Laxmi
4. Cotton Surbhi, RCH-2, RCH-23, MCU-5, MCU-5 3.6 s
5. Soybean JS-335, PK-472, MACS-13,MACS-124, MACS- 3.6 r
58, PKV-1, CO.1, CO.3, K-851, PKV-416, Soya-
Harit
6. Sunflower EC-68414, Morden, Surya, PKV SH-27, AKSF-9, 2.3 s
PSFH-67, DSH-1, TCSH-2, FSFH-67, F-354RI
7. Sunflower CMS-2A, CMS-2B 1.6 s
8. Sunflower AK 1-R 1.4 s
9. Sunflower TCSH-1, KBSH-44, KBSH-42, KBSH-1 2.5 s
10. Safflower Bhima, Tara, Girna, Sharda, N-7 2.4 s
11. Green gram Kopargaon, Pusa Vishal, AKM-8803, TARM-2, 2.8 s
TARM-18, T-9, K-851, TAP-7
12. Black gram T-9, TAU-1, TAU-2, TAU-4, No.55 2.8 s
13. Chickpea C-235, HC-1, JAK-9218, AKG-46 3.0 r
 GROW-OUT TEST FOR CULTIVAR PURITY

I. Object

To determine the genetic purity of a given seed lot of a released cultivar, and the extent to which the
submitted sample conforms to the prescribed standards.

II. Sampling

The samples for grow-out test are to be drawn simultaneously with the samples for otherquality tests
and the standard procedure shall be followed.
The size of the submitted sample will be as follows:
1,000 gm --for maize, cotton, groundnut, soybean and species of other genera
with seeds of a similar size;
5,00 gm --for sorghum, wheat, paddy and species of other genera with seeds of
similar size;
250 gm --Beta and species of other genera with seeds of similar size;
100 gm --for bajra, jute and species of all other genera;
250 tubers/ planting stakes/
roots/corns --seed potato, sweet potato and other vegetatively propagating crops.

III. Procedure

While raising the desired population, standard and recommended agronomic/cultural practices (e.g.,
field preparation, size of the plot, row length, distance between rows, distance between plants,
irrigation, fertilization etc.) in respect of individual crops are to be followed both for the unknown
sample and its control.

The possibility to prove the genuineness of a cultivar by grow-out test is based on hereditary
characteristics of the plants. Usually the cultivar differences are more distinct if growth conditions are
favourable. Crop should be so grown that the genetical difference express themselves as clearly as
possible. In self-fertilizing species the individual of a cultivar may be theoretically identical whereas
the individual of a cultivar in cross-fertilizing species may not be genetically similar, but comprise a
number of types. Therefore, it is easier to determine the cultivar purity in self-fertilizing species than
in cross-fertilizing species where the examination for greater part is based on the mutual comparison
between the samples to be tested and the standard sample. Hence, it is essential to sow the various
samples of the same cultivar in succession and standard samples are sown at suitable intervals (for
example, one standard sample
for every ten samples to be tested). The size of plots, row length etc. will differ crop to crop.
However, the specifications for different crops are indicated in the following table. The Certification
Agency may change the specification if considered necessary:

S. Crop Row Plant to Space Space No. of

No. length plant between between replications
(meters) distance rows (cm) plots (cm)
(cm)
1. Wheat, barley, oats 6 2 25 50 2
2. Pea, cowpea 6 10 45 90 2
3. Chickpea, green gram, 6 10 30 60 2
black gram
4. Maize 10 25 60 90 2
5. Hybrid cotton 5 10 45 45 2
6. Paddy:
(a) very early to medium 6 15 20 45 2
(b) late and very late 6 25 30 60 2
7. Pearlmillet 6 10 60 90 2
8. Sorghum 6 10 45 60 2

The seed rate may be adjusted depending on the germination percentage of individual samples and the
sowing may be done by dibbling. Subsequent thinning is not recommended.

The test crop may be raised alongwith the control either in the areas recommended for the variety or in
off-season nurseries. The authentic control sample from the originating plantbreeder/breeding institute
is to be maintained by the testing station/Agency following standard procedures. A minimum of two
hundred plants from control sample will be raised along with the test crop.

IV. Observations

(a) All plants are to be studied keeping in view the distinguishing characters
described for the cultivar both in the test crop as well as the control. Necessary corrections may
be incorporated if the control is found to be heterogenous.
(b) Observations are made during the full growing period, or for a period specified by
originating breeding institute and deviations from the standard sample of the same variety are
recorded. At suitable development stage the plots are examined carefully and plants which are
obviously of other cultivar are counted and recorded.
The specification of the field plot, row length etc. may be determined from the information given in
para III above. And on the basis of the number of plants required for taking observations is dependent
on maximum permissible offypes which are as follows:

Maximum permissible Off- Minimum genetic Number of plants required

types (%) purity (%) per sample for
observation
0.10 99.9 4,000
0.20 99.8 2,000
0.30 99.7 1,350
0.50 99.5 800
1.00 and above 99.0 and below 400

V. Calculation, Interpretation and reporting of the result

Percentage of other cultivars, other species or aberrant found may be calculated upto firstplace of
decimal.

While interpreting the result, use of tolerance may be applied by using the reject Tablegiven below
at serial No. VII.

VI. Analysts for grow-out test

The analysts employed for conducting „grow-out test‟ should possess the basicqualification as
identified under Seeds Rules, 1968.

VII. Reject number for prescribed standards and sample size.

Reject numbers for sample size of

Standard
800 400
99.5 (1 in 200) 8 *
99.0 (1 in 100) 16 8
95.0 (5 in 100) 48 24
90.0 (10 in 100) 88 44
85.0 (15 in 100) 128 64

*Indicates that the sample size is too small for a valid test.
 SPECIFICATION FOR CERTIFICATION TAG

Length : 15 cm
Breadth: 7.5 cm

Quality---it shall be made of durable material such as thick paper, paper with cloth lining,wax coated
paper, plastic coated paper etc.
Colour—Both sides shall be white for Foundation class and blue (ISI No.---Azure blue)for Certified
class.

Contents and layout

TAG No………………….. CA‟s Certified Seed

KIND…………………….. EMBLEM Class of seed………………..
Certificate No………………
Date of issue of
Variety……………………. Name & Address of Certificate………………….
Certification Agency Date of test…………………
Lot No………………………
“Use of the seed after expiry of the validity period by any person Certificate valid up
is entirely at his risk and the holder of the certificateshall not to……………………..
be responsible for any damage to the buyer of seed. No one (Provided seed is stored under
should purchase the seed if seal or the certification tag has been cool and dry environment)
tempered with”
Validity of certificate further
extended upto
Name and Full Address of the Certified Seed ………………………….
Producer……………………………………

N.B. If tag is to be affixed on a smaller container then the size of the tag may be reduced
proportionately. However, length and breadth ratio and contents would remain the same. (CA‟s :
Certification Agency‟s)
COMPOSITION OF THE APPELLATE AUTHORITY

The Appellate All State Governments/Union Territories which have established the
Authority Certification Agency under Section 8 of the Seeds Act, 1966 shall
invariably constitute an Appellate Authority under Section 11 of the
Seeds Act,1966.

Composition The Appellate Authority shall consist more than one member
preferably three members to represent such interests as the State
Government think fit, of whom at least one person shall be
representative of seed producers.

Term of the Appellate The members of the Appellate Authority shall, unless their seats become
Authority vacant earlier by resignation, death or otherwise, be entitled to hold
office for three years.

Decision The Appellate Authority should ensure that decision on the appeals
filed is taken expeditiously.
 EXTENSION OF THE VALIDITY PERIOD

1. The extension of validity period of Certified seed shall be for a period of six months, at
each subsequent validation as long as the seed conforms to the prescribed standards.

2. Holder of the certificate or his authorized representative may request for extension of the
validity of certified seed before expiry of the previous validity period to a Certification Agency
of the area in which the seed is located. He shall furnish the relevant information such as name of
the crop, variety, class of seed, quantity of seed in lot, lot number, size and type of containers,
number and date of certificate etc. to the Certification Agency at the time of submission of
application.

3. The Certification Agency after receipt of application for extension of validity period shall
verify that tags, labels and seals are intact on each seed container and arrange to draw samples
and its analysis in a notified seed laboratory. The sample would be tested for physical purity,
germination and insect damage.

4. If reprocessing and rebagging at the time of extension of validity is requested to a

Certification Agency which has not initially certified the seed, it may be permitted provided
Certification Agency is of the opinion that such operation may improve the quality of seed and
seeds are not badly invaded by fungus, pest etc. Infested seed lots shall meet the conditions laid
down in para XXV of the General Seed Certification Standards. Whenever such operations are
undertaken a sample from each lot will be drawn before the seed containers are opened and shall
be divided into three equal parts and sealed. One part shall be retained by the Certification
Agency, another part by holder of the certificate or his representative and remaining sample will
be sent under Registered Post to Certification Agency which had initially certified the seed.
Besides this, holder of the stock shall retain at least two bags/containers for smaller packing upto
10 kg and one bag/container above 10 kg in original packing of each seed lot being validated
upto the next validation or till the stock is disposed off.

5. After analysis of sample, if seed is found to conform to the prescribed standards, the
Certification Agency shall extend the validity of seed for a further period of six months from the
date of expiry of previous validity period or date of test, whichever is earlier. The date of test and
period of validity and name of Certification Agency who has extended the validity period must
be rubber stamped on the tags affixed on the seed containers. However, if new tags are required
to be issued due to reprocessing and rebagging of the seed, the information indicated on the
certification tags issued at the time of initial certification and name of the Certification
Agency who performed the initial certification shall be recorded on the new tags. The serial
numbers of new tags used for a seed lot shall be informed to the Certification Agency who
performed the
initial certification. The Certification Agency shall preserve at least two tags out of the tags
removed from a seed lot and ensure the destruction of remaining tags in its presence.

6. A complete record shall be maintained by the Certification Agency of each lot offered for
extension of the validity period.
 THE CENTRAL SEED CERTIFICATION BOARD

The Central Seed The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette,
Certification Board establish a Central Seed Certification Board (here in after referred to
as the Board) under Section 8A of the Seeds Act, 1966 to advise the
Central Government and the State Governments on all matters
relating to certification, and to coordinate the functioning of the
agencies established underSection 8.

Composition The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:

(i) A Chairman, to be nominated by the Central Government

(ii) four members to be nominated by the Central Government

from out of the persons employed by the State Governments as
Directors of Agriculture;

(iii) three members, to be nominated by the Central Government

from out of the persons employed by the Agricultural Universities as
Directors of Research

(iv) thirteen persons, to be nominated by the Central Government to

represent such interests as that Government think fit, of whom not
less than four persons shall be representatives of seed producers
or tradesmen;

(v) appoint a person to be the Secretary of the Board.

Term of the Central The term of the Board shall be for two years from the date of
Seed Certification Notification
Board