The ICAR–National Institute of Seed Science & Technology (ICAR-NISST), Mau, is a premier research institute functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. It is the only institute in the country exclusively dedicated to coordinating and undertaking nationwide research in the field of seed science and technology. The institute’s journey began in 1979 with the launch of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Seeds, also known as the “National Seed Project”. In recognition of its growing importance and contributions, it was established as the Directorate of Seed Research on 31^st December, 2004. Following a decade of significant achievements in quality seed production and technological research, the ICAR Governing Body upgraded the directorate to the “Indian Institute of Seed Science” (IISS) in 2016. More recently, with the approval of the EFC for 2021-26, the institute was rechristened as ICAR – National Institute of Seed Science & Technology (ICAR-NISST).

Strategically located at Kushmaur in the Mau district of Uttar Pradesh, ICAR-NISST is positioned in the heart of India’s seed production belt, enabling direct interaction with farmers and the seed industry. This positioning is key to our pivotal role in ensuring that Indian farmers have access to high-quality seeds and advanced agricultural technologies. By integrating traditional seed science with modern biotechnology and molecular biology, ICAR-NISST develops scientifically rigorous and practically applicable solutions to address real-world challenges in seed production and quality management.