Field Inspection Procedures
- Certified seed production fields require inspections by Deputized Seed Inspectors.
- Peanut fields require at least two inspections: preliminary at flowering and final before harvest.
- Mungbean requires a minimum of three inspections: vegetative and flowering stages (preliminary), and maturity (final).
- Soybean fields must be inspected at maturity or after leaf drop when seed characteristics are evident.
- Planting in straight rows is mandatory for mungbean and soybean to facilitate inspection; broadcast mungbean planting after rice may be allowed with proper management.
- Presence of objectionable weeds or varietal impurities may lead to disqualification.
Field Standards and Maximum Allowable Contaminants
- Minimum field area for certification: 0.5 hectare.
- Peanut contamination limits (per 100 sq.m): other varieties range from 0 to 10 plants depending on class; no objectionable weeds allowed.
- Mungbean contamination limits vary by class with maximum allowable plants of other varieties and other crops specified; no objectionable weeds allowed.
- Soybean contamination limits are set similarly with strict controls on other varieties and crops; no objectionable weeds allowed.
Seed Lot Designation
- Seed lots must be homogeneous and are marked with specific field lot codes (e.g., Field Lot A-1) to indicate origin.
Seed Sampling Protocol
- Sampling is performed by Deputized Seed Inspectors; Certifying Agencies may sample if necessary.
- Sample size and intensity depend on the number of bags per seed lot, with specific bag sampling requirements.
- Maximum bags per seed lot differ by seed class and type (e.g., 50 bags for breeder seeds).
Seed Testing Requirements
- A minimum one-kilogram sample of mungbean, soybean, and unshelled peanut must be submitted for testing.
- Seed analysis is to be completed within 72 hours of sample receipt.
- Results must be issued within 15 working days for small seeds and 20-25 days for large seeded peanuts barring quality issues.
Seed Quality Standards by Legume Type
- Peanut: minimum pure seed 98-99%, zero tolerance for other crop and weed seeds; maximum inert matter 1-2%; germination minimum 70%; moisture max 12%.
- Mungbean: pure seed minimum 98-99%; zero tolerance for other crops and weeds; inert matter 1-2%; germination 80-85%; moisture max 14%.
- Soybean: pure seed minimum 98-99%; zero tolerance other crops and weeds; inert matter 1-2%; germination 80%; moisture max 12%.
Tagging of Certified Seeds
- Only Deputized Seed Inspectors are authorized to tag certified seed lots.
Effectivity
- The guidelines become effective 15 days after publication in the official gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.