National introductory training on ensuring seed quality – International approaches to seed certification and monitoring
Dushanbe (Tajikistan), 10/04/2025
High-quality seed is the cornerstone of productive and sustainable agriculture. Ensuring seed quality through robust certification and monitoring systems is essential to increase yields, enhance crop resilience, and facilitate farmers’ access to reliable planting material.
While Tajikistan has a functioning national seed system, ongoing reforms aim to align local practices with international standards to improve seed trade, build trust in certified seed, and strengthen the country’s capacity to participate in regional and global seed markets. International frameworks—such as the OECD Seed Schemes and ISTA protocols—offer valuable guidance for establishing transparent, harmonized, and science-based seed certification and quality monitoring systems.
As Tajikistan strengthens its seed sector, with the support of a World Bank funded project implemented by FAO, building technical knowledge among experts is crucial to support policy implementation, improve service delivery, and contribute to long-term food security and economic development.
Objectives
The objective of this training is to provide Tajik seed experts with a foundational understanding of seed certification and quality monitoring systems from an international perspective. Specifically, the training will:
- Introduce international principles and frameworks (OECD, ISTA, UPOV) governing seed certification and seed quality assurance.
- Explain key components of seed certification systems, including seed classes, field inspection, laboratory testing, and labeling.
- Describe seed quality monitoring mechanisms used to ensure that certified seed maintains purity, viability, and health standards.
- Highlight regional collaboration opportunities and future trends in seed sector development.
- Facilitate dialogue on how international practices can inform improvements in Tajikistan’s seed system.