Seed Certification is a legally sanctioned system for quality control of seed multiplication and production. Seed certification procedures and designed to ensure physical and genetic purity, freedom from weed seeds and diseases and good germinability of the certified seed. Seed certification is done by the Seed Certification Agency (SSCA) of the concerned state or by NSC where such an agency does not exist.

Objectives of seed certification

The objective of seed certification is to ensure genuineness and quality of seed to the purchaser well-organised seed certification system helps in accomplishing the following three primary objectives of seed programmes:

1. The systematic increase of superior varieties.
2. The identification of new varieties and their rapid increase under appropriate and generally accepted names.
3. Provision of a continuing supply of comparable material by careful maintenance.

Fundamental Concepts of Seed Certification

It enunciated the following fundamental concepts of seed certification Pedigree of all certified crops must be based on lineage.

1. The integrity of certified seed growers must be recongnised.
2. Field inspection must be made by qualified inspectors.
3. Verification trials to establish identification and usefulness of varieties and strains certified must be conducted.
4. It must be recognised that there is a necessity for keeping proper records to establish and maintain satisfactory pedigree of seed stocks.
5. There should be standards established for purity and germination.
6. The principle of sealing seeds to protect both grower and purchaser must be approved.
7. Species of farm weeds which would be included within the meaning of noxious weeds, must be defined.