Seed sampling is one of the phases in seed certification process.  The quantity of seed sent for analysis is very meager when compared to the lot size.  So, every care should be taken to see that the sample sent for analysis is a true representative of the lot.

Primary Sample  

When a seed lot is sampled either in container or in bulk, several individual samples are drawn from different containers or places in the bulk.  Each trier probe or handful of seed so drawn is called a primary Sample.

Composite sample

All primary samples drawn from the lot are mixed to obtain a composite sample of that lot. 

Submitted Sample

The quantity of composite sample so drawn shall be sufficient to provide three samples of the size of submitted sample.  The composite sample will be divided into three equal parts and one shall be sent for analysis to a notified Seed Testing Laboratory, the second part to the seed producer and retain the third part as a guard sample.  The size of the submitted sample is specified to each crop seed as indicated in the Annexure XIV.  

Manner in which the sample should be drawn

1. If it is in open containers

Insert hand into the seed with tightly closed fist, open it after reaching any location inside the mass, collect seed and take out hand in tightly closed fist so that no seed escapes out.  This is the primary sample.  All primary samples drawn from the lot are mixed to obtain a composite sample. 

2. If it is in closed containers

It can be done by triers.   Insert the trier into the seed mass in an inverted position, reverse the trier, after it has gone significantly into the seed, and then draw out.  After withdrawal, empty the trier to collect primary sample.  All the primary samples collected are mixed to get a composite sample.  If the trier is not available open the container and collect. Primary samples may be drawn as per the sampling intensity.  

Sampling intensity

For seed lots in bags or in other containers of similar capacity that are of uniform size, the following intensity is the minimum.  

Up to 5 Containers

Sample each Container and always take 5 Primary samples.  

6 to 30 Containers

Sample at least one in every 3 containers, but not less than 5 primary samples.  

Above 30 Containers

Sample at least one in every five containers, But never less than 10 primary samples. 

Lot size

Restricting the lot size is a must for representative sample and reproducible results.  The lot size for each crop is given in Annexure XIV. 

Sending seed samples   

The seed certification officer who has taken sample shall send the same to the concerned ADSCN with the following details within 24 hours of sampling.  Also he shall enclose the tag indent (subject to eligibility) (Annexure XV) along with the sample. 

Details of sample slip  

 1. S.C. No.  

 2. Producer/Grower

 3. Kind and Variety

 4. Class

 5. Date of harvest

6.Date of Receipt in the unit

7. Lot No.

8. Date of processing

9.Quantity taken for processing

10. Date of sampling

11. Processed quantity in the lot

12. Nature of sample First / Resample / Validation

13. Tests required  

14. Officers attended Sampling

Signature of SCO.

The sample shall be packed only in porous container like cloth bags.  However, for the purpose of testing moisture a separate sample shall be packed in moisture vapour proof container like polythene bag of 700 gauge with airtight seal.  This sealed sample for moisture test shall be kept inside the sample bag itself.  The quantity to be sent for testing moisture is as follows: 

100 grams for the species that have to be ground viz. Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pearl millet, Sorghum, Pulses, Groundnut, Castor, Soya beans, Cotton, Daincha, Ash gourd, Bhendi, Field bean, French bean, etc.

50 grams  for all other species.

A separate seed sample shall be drawn for Genetic purity test in case of Foundation I classes of variety cotton and hybrid cotton and its parents, hybrid redgram, hybrid castor, hybrid tomato, hybrid brinjal, hybrid muskmelon, hybrid true potato seed and hybrid seedless watermelon. The seed samples for genetic purity test shall be sent to the Directorate of seed certification.

The Assistant Director of Seed Certification, after the receipt of the sample will send it to the Seed Testing laboratory with secret code number after making necessary entries in the Seed Analytical Register.  The sample should be sent within 3 days from the date of receipt with the sample slip having the following details.  

1. Kind and Variety

2. Code No. 

3. Tests required 

The covering letter addressed to the Seed Testing officer should be sent simultaneously with the following details:

1. Sl. No.

2. Kind and Variety

3. Code No.  

4. Tests required

Communicating the result

The STO will communicate the result to the ADSCN concerned. On receipt of the analytical report the ADSCN will decode and communicate the result immediately to the producer and SCO concerned in the form prescribed vide Annexure XVI.