Seed is the most vital and crucial input for crop production. It marks the beginning of the new generation and instigates the hope of ecological and economic prosperity. A seed in itself possesses the divinity to make it a custodian of food and nutritional security. The seed sector played a paramount role in transforming Indian state from ship to mouth condition to food sufficiency. Realizing the importance of quality seed of improved varieties in improving the crop production and productivity, Govt. of India constituted National Commission on Agriculture (1970-76) which emphasized the need for teaching seed production technology in Agricultural Universities and Colleges. Production of quality seed is a skilled and technical enterprise based on the foundation of science and learning. There would always be a demand for human capital aiming at agricultural sustainability through production a quality seed. The instruction manual has been prepared to impart knowledge about basic principles required for quality seed production in field crops.

                This instruction manual has been prepared in accordance to ICAR syllabus for Undergraduate degree programme and consists of 12 chapters. The book tells about seed, classification of seed, role of seed in agriculture, seed system prevalent in the country, seed quality and includes concepts and principles for quality seed production and certification. The monograph would be useful for the UG and PG students of Agriculture not only for their academic programme, but also for preparation for competitive examinations like NET, ARS, Banks etc.

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