Seed Science and Technology Research Unit was established as first seed testing laboratory in 1962 in Agronomy Division under the Department of Agricultural Development (DoAD). It got accredited to the International seed Testing Association (ISTA) in 1964. In early seventies, seed testing laboratory moved to Agriculture Botany Division (ABD) to work in close with the breeders. Seed Technology and Improvement Program (STIP), Central Seed Science and Technology Division (CSSTD) were the upgraded modalities and given the divisional status for bridging between research, extensions and end users of seed through seed certification, field inspection, seed testing, seed technology research and planning and monitoring of source seed production. On inception of Nepal Agricultural research Council (NARC), Seed Research as a Unit merged again in ABD and is entitled to conduct seed research on practical problems and support in strengthening national seed system in use and distribution of quality seed.

Seed Science and Technology Division (SSTD) as an independent division under NARI had approved by the 41st NARC Council meeting. It had been effective as central division of seed in Khumaltar from 2010/11 fiscal year. Later on in fiscal year 2019/20, 59th NARC Council meeting changed its name as “National Seed Science Technology Research Centre (NSSTRC)” with mandates. It acts as focal center for seed components in NARC assisting the use and production of quality seed through research for agricultural development and works on seed in close association and coordination with stakeholders of seeds under National Seed Board (NSB). 

Major Activities

  • Biochemical test for varietal identification of vegetable species for genuineness of cultivars.
  • Descriptors of pre-release varieties were developed based on agro-morphological traits.
  • Establishment of seed production technology as per seed production environment.
  • DNA fingerprinting using SSR marker for identifying genetic diversity among promising genotypes of different crops.

Major Achievements

  • DNA fingerprinting of Garima variety of rice was done and documented.
  • Suitable hermetic storage structures (Super grain bag, PICS bag and Safe grain bag) identified for grain storage.
  • Zeolite beads identified as suitable drying storage tool for vegetables and high value crops.
  • Seed germination percentage and viability increased if maize seed and roasted wheat is kept in ratio is 5-6:1 in air tight container or plastic bag.
  • Seed pre-treatment techniques for rice, finger millet, Sesbania etc. established to break the seed dormancy/hard seed.
  • Genetic and physiology of seed dormancy in improved rice varieties identified using SSR markers.