ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: The Central Seed Testing Laboratory is expected to get International Seed Testing Association’s accreditation by the end of 2013 after being upgraded with the technical assistance of UNIDO, official sources said here on Thursday.

The ministry of National Food Security and Research has initiated the process of accreditation of the seed testing laboratory with the world seed forum since Pakistan has potential to export certified seeds to other producers.

The accreditation would not only strengthen testing credentials of the seed testing laboratory, but would also lift profile of Pakistan and promote improved seed trade to the benefit of all, according to a UNIDO official.

To ensure that export of seeds meets international requirements to promote seed trade between Pakistan, accreditation of the CTSL would permit, for the first time national scientists to undertake accurate seed analyses and would support producers to add value to their products through provision of seed testing certificates.

This would provide the required level of guarantee to domestic and international farmers. Sources said that the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department has plans to levy nominal fee on crop inspection and seed testing.

The department carries out inspection of crops for more than 500,000 acres and tests seed to the tune of about 40,000 tonnes, and extends services to 790 seed companies.