The Seeds Database contains seed images and illustrations to aid in seed identification. It serves as a searchable database to facilitate seed identification based on morphological features. The seeds are illustrated with high-quality colour photographs or Scanning electron microscope images wherever available and accompanied by their scientific name. The seed colour, shape and dimensions are also included. This database is not only for researchers but can help students, teachers, farmers, gardners and many others.

The establishment of the Bureau coincided with the advent of the Green Revolution and was in response to the realization of perceived effects of the Green Revolution on agrobiodiversity. Further, it was in accordance with the international developments in the form of establishment of the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), Rome, in 1974 (now renamed as International Plant Genetic Resources Institute). The NBPGR played a pivotal role in the improvement of various crop plants and diversification and development of agriculture in India through germplasm introduction from various institutes/organizations located in foreign countries and germplasm collection from within the country and abroad and conservation thereof.