Every bag of seed sold in India must carry a correct label, and certified seed also needs the official coloured certification tag. Quick facts:

• Certified seed - azure blue tag, issued by the State Seed Certification Agency
• Foundation seed - white tag
• Breeder seed - golden yellow, cloth-lined label (12 x 6 cm)
• Truthfully labelled seed - opal green tag attached by the producer
• Certification tag size - 15 cm x 7.5 cm, reducible for small containers
• Validity - 9 months from the date of test, plus 6 months per successful re-test

Rule 8 of the Seeds Rules 1968 lists what the label must carry - the notified particulars (kind, variety, lot number, germination, purity), net weight, date of test, the seller's name and address, and for treated seed the caution "Do not use for food, feed or oil purposes". The government's SATHI portal (seedtrace.gov.in) adds QR-coded traceability from producer to dealer to farmer.

Read the complete guide with images, tables and FAQs: Seed Labels & Seed Certification Tags in India. Mindware makes coloured seed tags and packet labels and supplies thermal transfer printers, resin ribbons and scanners - call +91-9717122688 or email gm@indianbarcode.com.