Seeds are a critical and basic input for enhancing agricultural production and productivity in different agro-climatic regions. The use of good quality seed is a prerequisite for the satisfactory production of a good quality crop. A sound seed sector in terms of quality and quantity can only support the agriculture sector of a huge country like India.  Importance of quality seed in modern agriculture is very much felt.  Therefore, making good quality seeds available in sufficient quantities is one of the obligations of the Government through public and private seed industry.

Seed quality is the sum of all those attributes which differentiate the seed from the grain.  In terms of individual seeds, these attributes include trueness-to-variety, free from mechanical / insect damage or seed borne diseases, vigour, viability, desirable size and good appearance.  Production efficiency and seed quality assurance are the basic factors in success of any seed production program.  Hence, some sort of regulatory system is essential to monitor and maintain seed quality during various stages of seed production.