Satyender Singh, CEO- Seeds Business, Crystal Crop Protection Limited interacted with AgroSpectrum about the latest acquisition and vegetable and flower seeds industry in India.
Crystal Crop Protection Limited, a leading agriculture solutions organisation, has recently acquired I&B Seeds, a prominent player in the flower and vegetable seeds market having leadership position in Marrigold seeds with Indus and SPS brands. Satyender Singh, CEO- Seeds Business, Crystal Crop Protection Limited interacted with AgroSpectrum about the latest acquisition and vegetable and flower seeds industry in India. Edited Excerpts:
How does the I&B Seeds acquisition enhance Crystal’s position in the vegetable and flower seeds market?
I&B seeds is a R&D based company with excellent lab and field research teams, and facilities. The current business of I&B seeds will enhance the Crystal’s seed portfolio by about 30 per cent. In addition, a strong breeding pipeline of key crops such as Tomato, Sweetcorn, Hot Peppers and Marigold, will drive the value of Crystal’s seed division to higher levels.
Can you give us an overview of Crystal’s 400 crore seeds division and its growth drivers?
Crystal’s Seeds Division, a Rs 400 crore business, stands as a leading player in the Indian seed industry with a diverse portfolio of crops including pearl millet, cotton, mustard, maize, sorghum, paddy, wheat, berseem, and fodder. Key brands like ProAgro, Surpass, Mahalaxmi, and Sadanand Cotton have strengthened its market position. A robust distribution network of 4,500+ distributors and 25,000+ retailers ensure nationwide reach, while a dedicated R&D team drives innovation in hybrid seed technology tailored to meet customer needs, offering high yield, disease resistance, and value for money.
Future growth is anchored in new launches across millet, cotton, mustard, and maize, alongside the rapid scaling of wheat, a recently introduced portfolio with significant market potential. The adoption of cutting-edge solutions like Clearfield® Production Systems for mustard further sets Crystal apart, promising efficient weed control and improved crop quality. With a strong field team of 400+ professionals committed to farmer education and welfare, the division is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and deliver impactful solutions to the farming community.
What R&D initiatives are planned with I&B in FY24-25 and how will it leverage the growth of the company and profitability for farmers?
With the impact of climate change, there is a focus on developing pest and disease resistant varieties. In addition, our focus is also to develop early varieties (for eg: non-staking tomatoes). In recent times, farmers are moving towards growing vegetables and flower crops because of shorter duration and assured markets. This also helps the farmer to take multiple crops in a given year, thus providing growth opportunities for the company.
How would you envisage the future of the vegetable and flower seed industry in India for the next five years?
Growing emphasis on a more balanced diet and nutritional security will drive greater demand for fruits and vegetables. Different reports suggest that the vegetable seed industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6 to 7 per cent. Similarly, the flower seed market is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 5 to 6 per cent.
What kind of inputs in the form of policy support and finance, infrastructure, R& D are required for the growth of the Indian flower and vegetable seed sector?
Many enabling functions of crop improvement programs need enabling functions in Biotechnology, Pathology and Analytics. These facilities require sophisticated equipment and expensive consumables. Friendlier tax regimes for these would help immensely. In addition, policies around seed movement can be made more efficient in terms of time taken.
Is the company planning partnership with the companies in Asia -pacific to expand its reach?
Yes, partnership and collaboration with companies in the APAC region is one of the major focus areas for growth and visibility. We already have made some progress in the flower seed area and look forward to building on this.
What are the growth strategies and plans of the company for FY2024-25?
Major focus will be to retain our leader position in Marigold, and continue to create our brand value. In Vegetables, we are planning to build increased volumes in Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Hot Peppers, Okra, Onion and Watermelon, mostly by increasing our market penetrations, creating new markets etc.,
