26 SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL www.seedtest.org ACCREDITATION • Go to the GGAS Hi-Tech Labs membership page on the ISTA website: www.seedtest. org/en/membership/ggas-hi-tech-labs.html Advanced seed testing: preparing premium seed lots for comprehensive purity and physical verification evaluations Standardising quality: utilising state-of-the-art sterile environments to achieve international accreditation benchmarks Teamwork driving innovation: expert analysts working together to ensure top-tier scientific data and quality control the detection of seed-borne pathogens using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods; seed physiology including dormancy, vigour and longevity studies; and genetic fingerprinting through molecular marker technologies for variety identification, seed purity verification and development of variety through speed breeding. The integration of biotechnology and genomics into routine laboratory operations places GGAS Hi-Tech Labs firmly within the vanguard of modern seed science practice. The laboratory also operates a modern seed cold storage facility with controlled environmental conditions, supporting seed quality assurance, germplasm conservation, reference sample retention, and advanced research on seed longevity, vigour and storage behaviour. The laboratory is staffed by a team of 11 technical professionals, including four seed analysts and two ISTA samplers. All analysts hold advanced academic qualifications at the postgraduate or doctoral level, a deliberate investment in human capital that ensures every result issued by the laboratory carries the full weight of scientific expertise and professional accountability. The purpose of GGAS Hi-Tech Labs is to serve as a trusted, technically excellent and internationally recognised seed testing institution, one that delivers reliable results to seed producers, exporters, importers, regulatory authorities and development organisations. The vision of GGAS Hi-Tech Labs is to become a centre of excellence in seed science, an institution that not only meets international standards but actively contributes to shaping them. The laboratory aspires to play a meaningful role in securing Pakistan’s food future, as well as globally, supporting climate-resilient agriculture through the identification and certification of adapted seed varieties, and building the national capacity required to sustain a world-class seed testing ecosystem for future generations. Through partnership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to scientific integrity, GGAS Hi-Tech Labs stands ready to serve the seeds that feed a nation. As an ISTA accredited laboratory, our mission is to deliver accurate, impartial and globally accepted seed testing while strengthening Pakistan’s alignment with international seed production, as well as import and export standards. Looking ahead, we aim to collaborate with ISTA on method validation; develop a national seed reference database; spearhead the development of a digital seed morphology reference registry optimised for local agro-ecological conditions; address crop-specific testing challenges; and implement advanced vigour assessment workflows to identify, certify and catalogue climate-adapted, disease-free seed varieties. Through innovative technical excellence, scientific integrity and international partnership, GGAS Hi-Tech Labs is committed to connecting Pakistan’s seed sector with the world, and stands fully prepared to support the seeds that feed a changing world.
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