During the inception time, NSSTRC focused on development of procedures for testing the quality of seeds and providing quality testing services and quality information of seed lots to the farmers in the country. In due course of time with provided emphasis to strength policies, HYVs of crops introduced, commodity research programs adopted and many international collaborative seed sector development projects implemented and strengthened the seed quality and research program. The program established the seed regulatory instruments to safeguard the use of quality seeds and helped the program in achieving the agricultural goal.
NSSTRC's strategy in present context is to support the national seed program and improve the agricultural production through the intensive use of improved varieties of quality seed and carry out the research on problems related to seed quality, its production and application. Followings are the relative foci and research approaches (in Current thrust areas for research) of NSSTRC pursuing the above strategy:
Strengthening national seed program in use of quality seeds,
• Carrying out the adaptive research on seed quality and use,
• Providing quality testing and information services on use of quality seeds,
• Developing and promoting improved seed technologies,
• Contributing in collaboration with national and international institutes/stakeholders in use of quality seeds.