Where It All Started for ISTA

Founded during the 4th International Seed Testing Congress in Cambridge, UK, in 1924, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) embarked on a century-long mission to standardise seed testing globally. Over the decades, ISTA has collaborated with 83 member countries and over 400 seed scientists across 244 laboratories worldwide.

ISTA's commitment to innovation in seed science and technology has set the benchmark for seed quality assurance worldwide. Currently, ISTA collaborates with over 150 accredited labs and sampling entities, working closely with governments, organizations, and the seed industry to advance knowledge exchange, capacity building, accreditation, technical expertise, and best practices in seed testing and quality assurance.

Innovative Water Management

Water conservation has always been a priority for us. We incorporated water-retaining substances such as pumice, perlite, peat, and grow ball into the soil, helping our plants stay hydrated for extended periods.

Regular application of antitranspirant agents on leaves reduced transpiration stress. By adjusting our watering schedule to early mornings (starting at 6:30 AM), we maximised water absorption and retention, ensuring our plants stayed hydrated longer during the day. Utilising fallen leaves and leaf mold as mulch helped reduce the surface area exposed to the sun, effectively checking water loss.

The Partnership Between INDAM And ISTA

In alignment with ISTA’s vision, the Seed Testing Laboratory at Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (now INDAM) was established in Bangalore, India, in 1999. Dr. Manmohan Attavar, the founder and chairman, envisioned a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to ensuring high-quality seeds for global export markets.

This commitment led INDAM to pursue ISTA accreditation, achieving this milestone in October 2002. Initially accredited for essential tests like sampling, purity analysis, germination, and moisture content determination, we expanded our capabilities in 2017 to include advanced tests such as species verification, seed health, and vigour assessments.

The Progress Made

Through collaborative efforts, we significantly contribute to ISTA's objective of achieving uniformity in seed testing practices worldwide. Our Seed Testing Lab successfully underwent re-accreditation in 2023, reaffirming our role as a leader in seed quality assurance and testing.

For 21 years, we at INDAM have upheld the rigorous standards of ISTA, demonstrating our commitment to precision and reliability in seed testing. Our laboratory's role extends beyond accreditation; it serves as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building. Since 2008, we’ve hosted ten ISTA workshops, training over 300 seed managers and scientists from 35 countries and more than 70 public and private organisations worldwide. These workshops cover a wide array of topics crucial to seed quality assurance, including sampling techniques, purity testing, and advanced germination methodologies.

Our INDAM Seed Laboratory offers comprehensive services to the seed industry, providing Orange International Seed Lot Certificates (OIC), Blue International Seed Sample Certificates (BIC), and detailed Seed Analysis Reports. These certifications are essential for international seed trade, ensuring compliance with global standards and facilitating smooth transactions across borders.

Celebrations Are in Order

As ISTA commemorates its centenary year, we join the celebration, reflecting on two decades of excellence in seed quality assurance. This milestone not only marks our achievements but also solidifies the enduring partnership between INDAM and ISTA in advancing global agricultural sustainability through superior seed quality.

We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of seed quality, ensuring that farmers worldwide have access to superior seeds for sustainable crop production in the years to come.