Seed is the vital input and driver in crop production, as seed quality determines the
return on investment made on other inputs like fertilizer, irrigation, pesticide, labour
etc. A poor seed quality will result in poor return despite best investment on other
farm inputs, which, implies that utmost attention must be given to the use of quality
seed in crop production. Therefore, every country needs a robust seed production and
supply chain system as one of the key components of sustainable growth in agricultural
production. A robust seed production programme is central to providing high quality
seeds of improved hybrids, pure-line cultivars and open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) for
agricultural development, and food security. High quality in case of seed refers to high
genetic purity (true to type), high physical purity (freedom from objectionable weeds,
other crops’ seeds, inert matter etc.) and high seed vigour and germination in addition
to freedom from seed-borne diseases..
