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Enhancing Professional Skills Through Advanced Training in Quality Seed Production and Certification Practices
15 Sep 2026
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Allied Industries Conducted 30-Hour Short-Term Certificate Course on “Seed Production & Certification”
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Allied Industries, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur successfully conducted a 30-Hour Short-Term Certificate Course on “Seed Production & Certification” from 12 August to 3 September 2026. The course was designed to enhance the theoretical understanding and practical skills of participants in scientific seed production, quality assessment, processing, certification, storage, and marketing. The programme was developed in view of the growing need for trained manpower in the seed sector and the importance of quality seed as a key input for improving agricultural productivity.
The course instructor, Dr. J. P. Gupta, Associate Professor, Seed Science & Technology, FASAI gave the detailed scientific information and knowledge to the participants. The course covered a comprehensive range of topics, including the significance and classification of seed, physical and genetic purity, seed purity testing, seed health, viability and vigour testing, dormancy management, and seed production technologies of cereals, oilseeds and pulses. Participants were also introduced to seed certification principles and standards, field inspection procedures, seed processing, packaging and labelling, storage and maintenance of viability, seed legislation, Plant Variety Protection, patents, WTO-related aspects, seed marketing and quality assurance. Practical demonstrations on seed sampling, testing and certification records formed an important component of the course.
The programme followed a blended and practice-oriented teaching methodology comprising lectures, interactive sessions, practical demonstrations in the seed laboratory, field visits to seed production plots and processing units, group discussions, problem-solving exercises, and hands-on training in seed testing and field inspection. The course enabled participants to develop a better understanding of the role of quality seed in crop productivity and acquire knowledge of scientific seed production practices in major crop groups. The practical components strengthened their skills in seed purity, viability, health testing, dormancy management, field inspection and seed certification procedures. Participants also gained familiarity with seed laws, intellectual property rights, quality assurance and seed marketing systems, thereby enhancing their preparedness to undertake seed production and quality management activities at farm and institutional levels.
As part of the assessment, participants were evaluated through a written Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) test and practical evaluation. Participants securing a minimum of 50% marks were eligible for the course certificate. The successful completion of the course provided participants with a structured learning experience combining scientific knowledge with practical exposure to the seed production and certification sector.
The 30-Hour Short-Term Certificate Course on “Seed Production & Certification” concluded successfully and the participants were provided with the course completion certificate marking the culmination of the training programme. The initiative contributed towards capacity building in the field of seed technology and supported the development of skilled human resources equipped with relevant knowledge and practical competencies for quality seed production and certification.
