Syngenta Vegetable Seeds today opened a seed health laboratory in Hyderabad, India, marking a significant step in expanding the company's ongoing investment in quality control capabilities. The state-of-the-art laboratory is one of the most advanced seed testing facilities in the world and represents the first dedicated seed health laboratory in India. Its services also cover the Asia-Pacific region and other areas.
Located in the village of Nuthankal, near Hyderabad, the laboratory is part of Syngenta's global network of plant seed quality control laboratories, including centers of excellence in the United States and the Netherlands.
Nishchint Bhatia, head of Asia Pacific for Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, highlighted the importance of the investment: “High-quality, healthy seeds are the foundation of success in the field for our customers. This investment underlines our commitment to ensuring farmers have a reliable supply of disease-free seeds. This world-class facility also supports ‘Make in India’ and India’s growing leadership role in agriculture, as well as its vision to become a leading global seed exporter.”
Built at a cost of US$2,4 million, the 600 square meter facility currently has the capacity to process 12 virus or bacteria tests per year. There is possibility of future expansion. The laboratory meets seed health testing regulations in India and will be aligned with international accreditation programs such as the International Seed Health Initiative (ISHI) and Naktuinbouw Authorized Laboratories (NAL). . In addition, it is seeking certification for export and local accreditation with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
Erik Postma, global head of quality management for vegetable and flower seeds at Syngenta, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Global seed management and promoting seed health in the global seed movement are critical to protecting the integrity of crop yields. farmers and safeguard global supply chains and global food security. Detailed care must be taken with each seed that reaches the farmer. This is a shared responsibility of the entire seed industry, which is why we are proud to offer our seed testing services to other seed companies to support international phytosanitary standards.”
Syngenta's Hyderabad site was initially established in 2009 and currently has over 250 full-time and seasonal employees and workers supporting seed processing, quality control and supply operations.
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