A two members audit team from International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Switzerland conducted a two days (28-29 January, 2025) audit of Central Seed Testing Lab., FSC&RD, Islamabad. Audit was conducted for quality management system and technical activities of laboratory. The main objective of audit was to extend the scope of seed testing being performed by CSTL. Extension of scope includes Flower and Forest species, seed testing of coated seed, tetrazolium test, moisture and vigor test. CSTL is already internationally accredited by ISTA and authorized to issue international seed lot analysis certificate that are called as OIC and BIC certificates. These certificates are world over accepted for seed trade. Addressing the closing meeting of ISTA audit, Mr. Muhammad Azam, Director General, FSC&RD said that CSTL was first accredited in 2019 and since then it was 3rd audit. He said that CSTL has already issued about 200 international seed export certificates during last five years which earned much needed foreign exchange for country. During year 2024, seed quantity valued at 27,800 US $ was exported from Pakistan with certificates issued by CSTL. He further added that under government and ministry’s vision of increasing the agri. related exports from Pakistan, CSTL is facilitating seed exporters by providing much needed international ISTA certificates within stipulated time period. MIS Seed Track & Trace system has been launched for national seed scheme and ISTA scheme would be integrated with MIS too in near future. Mr. Nazar Iqbal, Director and Mr. Amjad Hussain, Technical Manager elaborated the documentation, technical activities and previous records of laboratory to audit team. Audit team appreciated the efforts made by CSTL team.
