Become a part of the growing agriculture sector
The agricultural sector is growing and offers a wide variety of exciting and challenging careers for scientists, such as, plant pathologists, crop scientists, seed analysts, among many others. Seeds are the foundation of agriculture and play an important role in the production of crops. Without a steady supply of high-quality seeds, yields and crop quality would be greatly affected. If you’re interested in ensuring good quality seed is planted and farmers have the best yield, then consider becoming a seed analyst.
A day in the life of a seed analyst
Seed analysts test and analyze seed for purity, viability, and germination rate according to strict, regulated international standards set by the global seed industry to uphold quality and good genetics of seed. They analyze the purity and germination of all kinds of seeds submitted to the seed laboratory so that farmers know the quality of seed which they intend to use. Through these quality control measures, farmers are ensured that the seed they purchase will grow and deliver optimum harvests.
A seed analyst’s daily tasks include the testing and recording of quality characteristics of seed in a lab. They collect samples of seeds and analyse them closely by putting the samples through various experiments that will test their quality. It calls for someone who has a fine eye for details and who can work consistently, accurately and precisely.
When farmers and seed growers buy seed for planting to produce crops, they need to know how well the seed will grow in the field, and whether there are diseases present on the seed that could lead to poor crops or poor quality crops. This is where seed analysts come in, as they test the seeds before it goes on the market to ensure the quality of the seed. Once approved, the seed is packaged and sold to farmers or the public.
How to become a Seed Analyst
Do you enjoy working in a laboratory rather than in the field, have great attention to detail, and are able to work consistently, accurately and precisely? Do you have an interest in seed anatomy and physiology? If the idea of producing good quality crops sounds good to you, then this is the career to consider. The first step is to do exceptionally well in your Matric, with Maths and Physical Science being the most important subjects, then you’ll be able to get into a good university to do a course that will help you get your foot into this industry.
Recommended Qualifications
- BSc Biological Science
- BSc Botany
- BSc Horticulture
Recommended Training
- DALLRD Seed Analyst trainin
- Seed Science course
In essence, seed analysts ensure that our crops are grown from the best quality seeds which they carefully test and analyze before going on the market. If this sounds good to you, then consider taking this career path. You just need to work really hard in school because it’s not an easy course to do. For more information on courses available and requirements, follow Sansor on Facebook or Instagram.