National Seed Research & Training Center

National Seed Research & Training Center NSRTC has established state of the art seed testing and DNA fingerprinting labs and is an ISTA member.

We also produce high quality early-generation seeds and focus on capacity building for seed sector stakeholders through workshops and training programs.

Seminar by Engr. Arslan Khalil (Research Associate- Farm Machinery and Power) on the Seed Processing Industry in Pakista...
14/07/2026

Seminar by Engr. Arslan Khalil (Research Associate- Farm Machinery and Power) on the Seed Processing Industry in Pakistan, highlighting its critical role in producing high-quality seeds that form the foundation of sustainable agriculture. The session covered the major stages of industrial seed processing, including cleaning, grading, drying, seed treatment, packaging, and quality assurance, and discussed how these processes enhance seed purity, vigor, and germination. The seminar also emphasized the industry's contribution to reducing post-harvest losses, improving crop productivity, supporting certified seed production, and strengthening national food security through the supply of quality planting material.

Miss Ayesha Tahir (Seed Analyst - Seed Science and Technology) delivered an informative seminar on "Post-Harvest Losses ...
03/07/2026

Miss Ayesha Tahir (Seed Analyst - Seed Science and Technology) delivered an informative seminar on "Post-Harvest Losses in Rice," highlighting one of the most critical challenges effecting global food security and agricultural sustainability. Rice serves as the staple food for more than half of the world's population, yet an estimated 10–40% of seed is lost due to inefficient harvesting, threshing, drying, storage, milling, transportation, and handling practices. Drawing upon scientific findings and internationally recognized post-harvest management principles, the session emphasised the importance of timely harvesting, proper moisture management, improved storage systems, mechanization, and the adoption of Good Post-Harvest Practices to minimize quantitative and qualitative losses. The seminar underscored how reducing post-harvest losses, not only improves grain quality and farmer profitability but also contributes significantly to food security, resource conservation, and sustainable agricultural development.

An informative seminar on “Application of Silver Nanoparticles and Fungicides for In-vitro Suppression of Pestalotiopsis...
29/06/2026

An informative seminar on “Application of Silver Nanoparticles and Fungicides for In-vitro Suppression of Pestalotiopsis psidii, a Pathogen Associated with Guava Stem Cracking” was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Faheem Khan (Research Associate- Plant Pathology), highlighting the management of guava stem cracking caused by Pestalotiopsis psidii. The presentation explored the in-vitro evaluation of silver nanoparticles and conventional fungicides as disease control agents, demonstrating their ability to effectively suppress fungal growth. The findings emphasized the promising antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles as an innovative and sustainable alternative or complementary approach to conventional fungicides for improving guava disease management. The study also underscored the growing role of nanotechnology in modern plant pathology, offering environmentally friendly solutions for disease control while contributing to improved crop health, productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices.

A highly relevant session by Mr. Anees Ur Rehman (Seed Analyst- Agronomy) focused on best practices in seed packaging, h...
23/06/2026

A highly relevant session by Mr. Anees Ur Rehman (Seed Analyst- Agronomy) focused on best practices in seed packaging, handling, and storage, reinforcing their importance in preserving seed quality throughout the supply chain. Proper packaging and storage conditions are critical to maintaining seed viability and vigor. Factors such as moisture, temperature, and packaging materials directly influence seed longevity. His title: “Seed packaging, handling and storage” explains proper packaging and storage conditions are critical to maintaining seed viability and vigor. Factors such as moisture, temperature, and packaging materials directly influence seed longevity. Seed packaging, handling, and storage are critical post-harvest operations that maintain seed quality from production to planting. Proper packaging protects seeds from moisture, pests, and mechanical damage, while careful handling minimizes physical injury that can reduce germination and vigor. Appropriate storage conditions particularly controlled temperature and humidity help preserve seed viability, vigor, and genetic purity, ensuring good field performance and long-term seed longevity.

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) intends to outsource the operation and management of its Seed Processing...
22/06/2026

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) intends to outsource the operation and management of its Seed Processing Plant having a capacity of up to 5 tons per hour, located at PARS Farms, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, under the project “Quality Seed Production and Supply to the Farming Community for Ensuring Food Security in Pakistan (Revised)”.

Dr. Kiran Hameed (Scientific officer- Plant Breeding and Genetics) delivered a comprehensive talk on “EMS mutagenesis on...
18/06/2026

Dr. Kiran Hameed (Scientific officer- Plant Breeding and Genetics) delivered a comprehensive talk on “EMS mutagenesis on rice yield traits, emphasizing LD₅₀ determination as a foundation for mutation breeding and genetic enhancement programs”. EMS mutagenesis effectively generates genetic diversity in rice, and molecular marker analysis confirms clear genetic divergence among induced mutants. This variability provides a valuable resource for functional genomics and breeding, enabling the selection and utilization of improved lines for genetic enhancement without transgenic approaches. She sheds light on the concept that Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS) is a powerful chemical mutagen widely used to induce genetic variability. Determining LD₅₀ is critical to balance mutation frequency with plant survival for effective crop improvement.

An informative seminar on “Effect of Nipping at Different Days on Growth and Yield of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) in the M...
11/06/2026

An informative seminar on “Effect of Nipping at Different Days on Growth and Yield of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) in the Mid Hills of Nepal” was delivered by Mr. Rana Muhammad Ateeq Ahmad (Scientific Officer- Horticulture Domain ). The presentation highlighted the role of nipping as an important agronomic practice to enhance branching, improve plant growth, and increase yield in field pea. The study demonstrated how the timing of nipping can significantly influence crop performance, nodulation, and productivity, offering practical insights for improving pea cultivation and maximizing yield potential under varying environmental conditions.

An insightful seminar on "Genetic Purity Testing" was delivered by Dr. Madiha Habib, Senior Scientific Officer. The pres...
09/06/2026

An insightful seminar on "Genetic Purity Testing" was delivered by Dr. Madiha Habib, Senior Scientific Officer. The presentation focused on the methods used to verify varietal identity and genetic uniformity, ensuring that seed lots conform to prescribed standards. For the farmer, varieties are beneficial if they have genetic purity with high germination percentage, vigor and good health. For the maintenance and preservation of germplasm, we must be sure that the germplasm entries are genetically pure. This could be done by DNA Fingerprinting of the varieties for the target crops. The session highlighted the importance of genetic purity testing in maintaining seed quality, preventing varietal contamination, supporting certification programs, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Dr. Asim Abbasi (Research Associate- Entomology, Domain 5) delivered an insightful session discussing the role of silic...
19/02/2026

Dr. Asim Abbasi (Research Associate- Entomology, Domain 5) delivered an insightful session discussing the role of silicon accumulation in cotton and its cascading effects on whitefly biology and beneficial predators through tritrophic interactions. The talk highlighted sustainable pest management strategies by integrating plant nutrition with biological control. His topic: “Silicon accumulation in cotton and its tritrophic effects on whitefly and Chrysoperla carnea” highlighted that, Silicon accumulation in cotton enhances plant defense by strengthening cell walls and activating biochemical resistance mechanisms. Silicon-treated plants reduce the performance of whitefly by impairing feeding efficiency, survival, and reproduction. At the same time, silicon-mediated changes in plant chemistry and herbivore quality can positively influence the third trophic level by improving the predatory efficiency and fitness of Chrysoperla carnea feeding on whitefly. Overall, silicon induces a beneficial tritrophic effect, suppressing pest populations while supporting natural enemies, and thus contributes to sustainable pest management in cotton. Silicon nutrition is increasingly recognized for enhancing plant defense mechanisms. By strengthening plant tissues and influencing herbivore–natural enemy interactions, silicon can reduce pest fecundity while supporting biological control agents.

Every successful crop begins with a seed – and not just any seed, but one that is genetically true to its variety. Genet...
19/02/2026

Every successful crop begins with a seed – and not just any seed, but one that is genetically true to its variety. Genetic purity refers to true-to-type plants confirming to the characteristics of the variety described by the breeder. Maintaining high genetic purity is vital because even a small amount of contamination can change key traits such as yield, maturity, and color or disease resistance. For farmers and seed producers ensuring seed purity is vital for protecting yield potential, maintaining market reputation and preserving consumer trust.
Here at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, under Quality Seed Project, we ensure highest standards of genetic purity in seed production by multiple rounds of roughing throughout crop cycle, physical seed cleaning and processing by our skilled staff. This ultimate goal is to ensure supply of the quality seed to the farming community in Pakistan.
PI: Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan
Team: Dr. Usman Aslam, Dr. Madiha Habib, Dr. Kiran Hameed
and All Scientifc Staff of the Poject
Domain I (Plant Breeding and Genetics)

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University Of Agriculture
Faisalabad

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Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:30 - 16:30

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