Seed preservation begins during seed production and continues until sowing or transplanting in the field. Thus, seed preservation encompasses all operations involved in seed production, drying, processing, quality control, and marketing.
Seed storage involves the proper storage of collected and processed seeds from the field in various types of containers or locations until sowing. In our country, farmers typically store seeds in materials such as jute sacks, plastic sacks, clay mats, drums, jugs, tin pots, glass jars, bamboo containers, buckets, and polybags. However, conventional storage methods are not ideal for seed preservation, as these containers are not airtight and are prone to moisture damage.
The primary objective of seed preservation is to maintain the viability and freshness of the seeds. The viability and freshness of seeds depend on the storage method employed. Improper storage can lead to a loss of germination capacity and rapid deterioration of freshness, particularly in seeds such as onions and almonds. Any damage to the seeds can compromise their preservation quality, resulting in a loss of vitality. Therefore, it is crucial to store seeds properly to maintain their quality.