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MNT Seed Testing Laboratory, a sister concern of Lal Teer Seed Limited (LTSL), has become the country's first entity to get accreditation from International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
The information was revealed at a press conference, organised by LTSL at its R&D farm in Gazipur, presided over by its chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo.
He said apart from smooth supply to local farmers, this accreditation would help Lal Teer to boost export of quality seeds.
The company became member of ISTA in 2015, and MNT lab has finally got the accreditation after eight years of hard work.
He informed that only 130 labs in 83 countries have got the ISTA accreditation so far.
"We have got the accreditation to give both Blue and Orange certifications."
Other companies of the country could also be benefitted from the LTSL's achievement. They could get Blue and Orange certificates for their seeds from the lab based on seed quality.
Mr Mintoo further said his company is now supplying 12,000 tonnes of seeds annually, of which vegetable seeds comprise 90 per cent.
"We develop seeds by taking into account their taste, size, weight, colour, output, stress tolerance, water percentage, etc."
Expansion of hybrid onion varieties could help the country raise its production to minimise import, he added.
LTSL managing director Mahbub Anam, and general manager and R&D in-charge Dr Abdur Rashid also spoke on the occasion.
Mahbub Anam said the company exported seeds worth US$ 1.2 million last year to South Asia, Middle-East, US, Malaysia and other countries. The export would increase further after getting the ISTA accreditation.
Dr Abdur Rashid said the company developed 135 crop varieties so far, of which 87 are hybrids.
"We have 130,000 local germplasms from the country, which are being preserved at our germplasm bank. Those germplasms are being used for development of new varieties."
A new onion variety has been released, while two hybrid rice varieties are going to be given to farmers soon, he added.