Regional Station Bengaluru

Introduction

The Regional Station of the ICAR-National Institute of Seed Science (NISST), Bengaluru serves as a pivotal centre for seed research, production, and capacity building in southern India. The Station which initially operated as a Seed Production Centre from 6 June 2013, was upgraded to a Regional Station on 6 February 2019 with the inauguration of its new office building by ICAR dignitaries. Located within the GKVK campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, the station is in close proximity to the National Seed Production (NSP) unit under UAS, Bangalore, and covers a total area of 25 acres, including 16 acres of cultivated land.

Mandate

To conduct location-specific seed research and to undertake the seed production necessities of various agricultural and horticultural crops.

Thrust Areas

Currently, the station is equipped with modern infrastructure for seed testing, molecular biology, and seed health diagnostics, as well as advanced seed production and processing facilities. It functions as a hub for public–private partnerships in contemporary seed research, supports the vision of promoting organic seed production technologies and millets (Shree Anna), and conducts extensive training and capacity-building programs for stakeholders across the seed value chain. Through these initiatives, the station significantly contributes to enhancing seed quality, productivity, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Infrastructure instituted

With the valuable support of the Council, the necessary infrastructure for seed testing, molecular biology, and seed health laboratories, along with seed production machinery tailored for the 16 acres of cultivated land, has been established.