Discover the intricate process of how agricultural seed are developed, tested, and multiplied to ensure the best quality reaches farmers. In this article, Lukeshni Chetty, General Manager of the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), delves into the world of seed production and highlights the diverse and exciting career opportunities within this essential industry
Seed is the foundation of farming, yet most people aren’t aware of the steps that needs to be followed even before it reaches the farmer.
Every seed is the result of a meticulously coordinated process that includes research, development, testing, multiplication, and treatment; all essential steps in producing high-quality seeds to ultimately ensure global food security.
Understanding how seed is produced not only shows the complexity of the process, but also opens a world of intriguing career opportunities in this growing industry.
The role of research and development
Lukeshni Chetty, general manager of SANSOR, provides insight into the journey of agricultural seeds and the role of various professionals in making this system function.
Chetty shares that research, and development is the cornerstone of the seed industry.
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“There’s an entire value chain, with research and development being the biggest part of this process before the seed even reaches the farmer,” she explains.
The work of scientists and breeders ensures that the seed that reaches farmers meet specific regulatory needs including taste, appearance, ease of growth, and resistance to pests or diseases.
Chetty elaborates on the process of developing a new seed variety, explaining that breeders must first identify suitable cultivars and source the genetic material for breeding.
“They would then plant it out and make crosses, either by hand or by utilizing molecular breeding techniques. It’s a multidisciplinary approach, involving plant pathologists, soil scientists, agronomists, and data scientists.
This groundwork is pivotal as it ensures that all seed are well-suited for the conditions in which they will be grown. This is particularly important given the diversity of climates, soils, and farming practices worldwide.
What are cultivar trials?
Once new varieties are developed, it needs to undergo cultivar trials to ensure its performance and suitability for different environments. Chetty compares cultivar trials to testing products in a showroom.
“It’s like going into an appliance store where all the TVs are on display so you can choose which one works best in your space. Similarly, we conduct cultivar trials to showcase and assess new varieties,” she explains.
These trials help farmers to determine which varieties would be best suited for their growing environment, taking into account conditions like soil type, climate, and farm size. This step is critical in ensuring farmers receive the best possible variety.
Seed multiplication
After a new variety passes the trials and has been approved for commercialisation, it goes to seed multiplication.
Chetty also highlights the importance of this phase, explaining that multiplication is essential to ensure there is enough seed to meet global demand. “Multiplication is simply bulking up the seed to ensure there is sufficient availability for farmers,” she says.
Interestingly, the different stages of seed production – breeding, trials, and multiplication – do not always take place in the same country. For example, a breeding programme and trials might occur in the Netherlands, while seed multiplication could happen in South Africa.
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What about seed treatments?
To further enhance the performance of seeds, the industry employs seed treatments. These treatments are particularly beneficial for certain crop types. “Seed treatments involve applying a substance to the seed, like a fungicide, to help it germinate in specific environments and ensure a good yield,” says Chetty.
It’s also an important aspect of both domestic and international seed trade as it offers an extra layer of protection when seed are imported or exported.
Marketing seeds in South Africa
Once a seed variety is ready for the market, it needs to be approved under South Africa’s Plant Improvement Act, which provides a regulatory oversight.
“After developing a cultivar, the legislative process kicks in to support marketing.
“The government assesses the variety according to international guidelines, and once approved, it’s added to the variety list. Only then can it be marketed,” Chetty explains.
This ensures that the farmers purchasing seed can trust its quality, knowing it has passed stringent assessments. The information on seed bags are closely regulated, providing farmers/buyers with all the necessary details pertaining to the cultivar they are purchasing.
Career opportunities in the seed industry
The seed industry offers an array of career opportunities, ranging from scientific research to commercial and administrative roles. Chetty points out that despite the critical importance of seed in the agricultural value chain, the industry has often been overlooked. “There are opportunities for all personality types and backgrounds,” she says.
For those interested in the scientific side, career options include breeders, plant pathologists, agronomists, soil scientists, and data scientists. These positions can be field-based or conducted in a laboratory setting, like molecular breeding or biotechnology. Seed analysts, (which are in fact short skilled across the globe) and biotechnologists are also integral to the process of ensuring seed quality.
On the commercial side, careers in product management and marketing offer opportunities to bring seed to market and demonstrate their value to farmers and ultimately the public.
Chetty expresses her hope that more young people will consider careers in the seed industry. “It’s an incredibly noble and satisfying profession to be able to contribute to the starting point of all food,” she says.
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