Rama Krishna Sangem
The Telangana Seed & Organic Certification Authority (TGSOCA), Hyderabad, has played a transformative role in advancing the seed sector in Telangana and India. Through its commitment to quality assurance and innovation, TGSOCA ensures the availability of certified, high-quality seeds for sustainable agriculture, reinforcing Telangana’s emergence as a global seed hub.
Online Seed Certification System in TGSOCA pioneered India’s first fully digital seed certification system, streamlining both national and international certification processes. Since 2016, the paperless seed certification platform has enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency-accelerating services for seed producers and ensuring timely delivery of quality seeds to farmers.
Geo-Tagging of Seed Plots Field inspections now leverage geo-tagging technology, enabling precise identification of seed production plots. This innovation combats fraudulent inspections, ensures authenticity and maintaining integrity in seed certification. TGSOCA has been facilitating the supply of 18-19 lakh quintals of certified seeds to 10 neighbouring States besides meeting State’s requirement, thereby ensuring supply of quality seeds to the farmers.
India’s 1st QR based seed traceability system
Seed Traceability System In 2021, TGSOCA launched India’s first QR-based Seed Traceability System. Each certified seed tag includes a QR code that verifies origin, authenticity, and quality. This empowers farmers, dealers, and enforcement officials to trace seed provenance instantly, curbing the spread of spurious seeds.
International Seed Exports under OECD Certification TGSOCA facilitated India’s first certified seed exports under the OECD Seed Schemes. Since 2017, Telangana has exported over 165,000 quintals of seeds, meeting rigorous international standards. This milestone boosts India’s credibility as a reliable supplier of premium seeds and expands global market access.
ISTA Presidency Dr. K. Keshavulu, Director of TGSOCA, was elected Vice President for 2019-2022 and President of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) for 2022–2025, becoming the first Asian to hold this prestigious position in ISTA’s 100-year history.
He will be serving as Immediate Past President from 2025–2028. Dr. Keshavulu has consistently contributed to innovation, scientific excellence, and international cooperation, driving global harmonization in seed testing methods. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s seed systems, advancing seed quality, and supporting global food and nutritional security ISTA Accreditation for Seed Testing Lab TGSOCA established India’s largest public-sector seed testing lab with state-of-the-art facilities.
Accredited by ISTA in 2022, the lab has been issuing international certificates in addition to quality certificates for internation and domestic seed trade and reinforcing India’s commitment to global seed quality standards. TGSOCA published the “Guide for the Implementation of OECD Seed Schemes in India,” offering comprehensive guidance for seed producers and certification authorities engaged in international seed trade.
Phytosanitary certification
Phytosanitary Certification Authority Authorized by the Government of India, TGSOCA’s lab now issues phytosanitary certificates, ensuring compliance with international quarantine regulations. This reduces export delays and enhances market access for seed companies across India.
Strategic Partnerships TGSOCA collaborates with leading organizations including OECD, ISTA, FAO, Indo-German Cooperation, NSAI, and FSII. These alliances foster knowledge exchange and elevate India’s standing in global seed governance.
TGSOCA is instrumental in organising the 2019-ISTA Seed Congress and 2025-OECD Seed Schemes Annual Meeting, both held for the first time in Asia and in Hyderabad, India and also organised other several national and international training programs on seed certification, post-harvest technologies, and seed testing. The stakeholders from public and private sectors have benefited, promoting global best practices and strengthening India’s seed ecosystem.
Thus, the TGSOCA’s visionary leadership, technological innovation, and global engagement have positioned Telangana as a beacon of excellence in seed certification. Its initiatives not only safeguard farmers but also propel India’s agricultural exports into the international spotlight.
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