One bad seed can ruin everything. As part of a SANSOR campaign, this article explores how farmers can tell certified seed from uncertified and why their next harvest depends on it.
In the world of farming, the quality of your seed can make or break your harvest. It’s the very first decision that sets the tone for your entire season. Yet, across Africa, some farmers unknowingly plant uncertified or sub standard seed, risking their land, their time, and their livelihoods.
Thabiso Ntsele, a certification technician at the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), explains that seed certification is a crucial process that guarantees the quality and authenticity of the seed being sold to farmers.
It’s a legally sanctioned system that controls seed multiplication and production to ensure the seed meets specific standards of viability, purity, and varietal identity.
“Seed certification is a quality control system that ensures the genetic identity and purity of the plant varieties,” says Ntsele.
“For a seed to be considered certified, it must meet minimum physical parameters, such as germination rates and purity. If these minimum requirements are not met, it cannot be regarded as certified seed.”
The seed certification process
For farmers new to certified seed, identifying authentic seed might seem tricky, but there are clear signs to look out for.
“Certified seed containers will have a blue label, the National Coat of Arms, the words ‘SA Certified Seed,’ and ‘SANSOR’ printed on it. Each container is also sealed with a unique identification number,” explains Ntsele.
In addition to these official labels, the packaging will contain clear details such as batch numbers, sealing dates, and certification information. The seed itself will generally appear uniform in size, shape, and color, while fake seed might show irregularities, discoloration, or an unusual odor.
For added verification, many seed companies include QR codes or holograms on their packaging. Scanning the QR code can quickly confirm the seed’s certification status.
“Farmers can also request a certificate from the seed producer, which will have a QR code that can be scanned to verify the seed’s authenticity,” says Ntsele.
For farmers in rural areas, agricultural extension officers are another resource for verifying seed certification.it for planting.
Related stories
How to spot certified seed
For farmers new to certified seed, identifying authentic seed might seem tricky, but there are clear signs to look out for.
“Certified seed containers will have a blue label, the National Coat of Arms, the words ‘SA Certified Seed,’ and ‘SANSOR’ printed on it. Each container is also sealed with a unique identification number,” explains Ntsele.
In addition to these official labels, the packaging will contain clear details such as batch numbers, production dates, sealing dates, and certification information. The seed itself will generally appear uniform in size, shape, and colour, while fake seed might show irregularities, discolouration, or an unusual odour.
One simple test farmers can conduct is a germination test. Genuine seeds typically sink when placed in water, while fake seeds often float, Ntsele adds.
For added verification, many seed companies include QR codes or holograms on their packaging. Scanning the QR code can quickly confirm the seed’s certification status.
“Farmers can also request a certificate from the seed producer, which will have a QR code that can be scanned to verify the seed’s authenticity,” says Ntsele.
For farmers in rural areas, agricultural extension officers are another resource for verifying seed certification.
LISTEN: How quality seeds boost yields and sow success
Why use certified seed?
Certified seed undergoes more than 90 checkpoints before it’s sold, ensuring it meets the highest standards. This is especially important in today’s farming environment, where risk management is critical.
“By purchasing certified seed, farmers can be confident that the seed has been monitored and controlled by an independent body. It also comes with a complete production history and meets all the necessary minimum requirements.”
Certified seed offers farmers peace of mind, knowing that they are planting seed that has been subjected to rigorous testing and is guaranteed to perform as expected.
This is essential as climate change places increasing pressure on food production, and farmers need seeds that can withstand unpredictable conditions.
Despite the clear benefits of certified seed, some farmers opt for uncertified alternatives. The primary reason is cost. Certified seed is typically slightly more expensive because of the rigorous testing and certification process.
Some farmers also rely on saved seed from previous seasons, believing it is more adapted to local conditions.
“Traditional practices and a lack of awareness about the benefits of certified seed play a role in farmers choosing uncertified seed.
“Not all farmers are fully informed about the advantages of certified seed, and in some cases, uncertified seed offers a wider variety of choices, especially for crops that are not included in the formal certification process.”
New innovations
In South Africa, a variety of crops are available as certified seed, including staple crops like maize, dry beans, groundnuts, and sorghum, as well as certain vegetables.
Grass seeds used for livestock farming, such as oats, ryegrass, and teff, are also available as certified seed.
However, not all crops are available under the formal seed certification program. Indigenous seeds, for example, are not included in the certification scheme as there are no formally appointed maintainers, limiting farmers’ choices.
Furthermore, the seed certification process is adapting to meet the challenges posed by climate change. SANSOR is integrating new technologies and supporting farmer-led initiatives to ensure that the certification system remains relevant as new, climate-resilient varieties are developed.
“Every year, industry experts meet to discuss the requirements for crop certification, ensuring that seed certification standards are in line with technological advancements.
“This ensures that certified seed is available for emerging, climate-resilient varieties, helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions,” Ntsele explains.
He adds that by understanding how to identify certified seed, farmers can avoid the risks associated with fake or uncertified seed, ultimately leading to better crops and more sustainable farming practices.
READ NEXT: Top-quality seeds ensure farming success
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
