Frequently Asked Questions

What is DNA?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), the hereditary material of life that complexes with proteins to form chromosomes. Structurally, DNA is a double helix-two thread like long strand of genetic material spiraled around each other. DNA is a polymer of deoxyribonucleotides composed from nitrogenous bases [Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C)], Sugar and a Phosphate.

What is basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a type of rice grown in the foothills of Himalayas. It is a variety of long grain rice, famous for its fragrance and delicate flavour.

From whom do we accept the samples?
The APEDA/PDFS-CDFD Centre for Basmati DNA Analysis is involved in testing of the purity of the basmati rice samples sent by Government agencies like Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) and exporters/importers/breeders of national and international origin.

What kind of rice sample is required for analysis?
Brown rice grains are prefered to extract good quality DNA.

How much quantity of rice sample is required for DNA analysis?
Approximately 1000 gm of rice sample is sufficient for DNA analysis.

How the sample should be packed and sent?
The samples should be sent in a sealed, properly labeled packet. The label should include the agency's name, date of sampling, type of rice, quantity, country of origin, code number. The tampered/unlabeled packets will not be accepted/analyzed.

What are the charges for testing the sample?
An amount of ₹ 12,000/- (Rupees twelve thousands only) Plus 18% Service Tax (as per GST) totals ₹ 14,160/- (Rupees fourteen thousand one hundred sixty only) has to be paid per sample.

What is the mode of payment of charges?
Through a crossed demand draft (DD) drawn in favor of “Director, CDFD” payable at Hyderabad. DD has to be submitted along with sample. Payment through online facility can also be made to the account details given below.

Account Number: 62508009799

Beneficiary: Director, CDFD

Bank Name: State Bank of India

Branch: Habsiguda

IFSC Code: SBIN0020087

MICR Code: 500004020

CDFD GST No. 36AAATC2727J1ZT

(Please submit the transaction details (UTR No.) and mail it to anu@cdfd.org.in with copy to headfa@cdfd.org.in and abhishaket@cdfd.org.in.)

What are the other necessary details to be given, along with the sample?
Sample should be accompanied with covering letter clearly mentioning the sample Number/ Name of the lot and GST No. of consignee.

What is your exact address for sending the samples?
The samples and covering letter may be sent to the address given below either by Courier or Speed Post:

Director
APEDA-CDFD Centre for Basmati DNA Analysis
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD)
Inner Ring Road, Uppal
Hyderabad 500 039
TELANGANA
Tel.No. +91-40-27216128/6129
Fax.No. +91-40-27216006
E-mail: apeda_cdfd@cdfd.org.in

How long does it take for issuance of Basmati DNA Test Report?
Ordinarily, it takes fifteen working days (in case of routine analysis )for sending the report after the date of receipt of sample. However, in case of technical failures it may take longer than fifteen days.

What information does the certificate contain?
The Certificate issued will contain percentage of adulterant non-basmati rice in a given sample.

Can you prior send the format of the test report/certificate?
The format of the certificate can be downloaded from the website.

Can we get the remnant sample back after DNA analysis?
Remnant rice sample after DNA analysis will not be returned. The remnant samples will be retained in the centre for 3 months during which period, if required, the sample can be reused for DNA analysis.

Can we get the certificate/reports by e-mail?
If senders provide the demand draft towards the analysis charges along with the sample the scanned copy of the certificate will be provided by e-mail and hard copy will be sent by snail mail.

Can I get the information on the variety of Basmati and Non Basmati present in the sample?
Certificates are issued based on the APEDA-CDFD Management Committee guidelines.

Is it possible to analyse the non-basmati rice samples in your centre?
As of now analysis of the non-basmati samples is not done.

How the DNA analysis is conducted?
Details of DNA protocols followed is available at http://www.cdfd.org.in/servicespages/APEDA_protocol.html

If there are any other related questions where can I get the answers?
The APEDA-CDFD website includes equiry form where you can directly send your queries, otherwise queries can also be e-mailed to apeda_cdfd<at>cdfd.org.in.

Last updated on: Tuesday, 14^th December, 2021.