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Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, India, Opinions, R&D, Seeds

By Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, Federation of Seed Industry of India & Co-founder, AGVAYA

Indian agriculture stands at a pivotal crossroads, balancing the urgent need for higher productivity with the growing imperatives of sustainability. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, ensuring food, fibre, feed and fuel security while addressing climate volatility, depleting resources, and pest infestations has become a formidable challenge. Agricultural biotechnology, encompassing genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and gene editing, is emerging as a transformative partner for traditional plant breeding in tackling these issues. By enabling higher yields, climate resilience, and reduced dependency on chemical inputs, biotechnology can join forces with plant breeding in redefining India’s agricultural landscape and equipping farmers with innovative solutions to enhance productivity and livelihoods.

Promise of Biotechnology in Indian Agriculture

The promise of biotechnology in Indian agriculture is evident in the success of high-yielding, climate-resilient crops. Rice varieties like MTU 1232, developed with the Sub1A gene using biotechnological tools, have proven their worth in flood-prone regions, surviving prolonged submergence while maintaining impressive yields. Bt cotton has revolutionised cotton farming, reducing pesticide usage and improving productivity. These innovations highlight the potential of agribiotechnology to address longstanding agricultural challenges.

Since the global introduction of genetically engineered crops in 1996, agriculture has witnessed remarkable gains in productivity. India’s experience with Bt cotton has been a testament to this progress, with studies confirming increased yields and reduced pest-related losses. Gene-editing technologies have opened new frontiers, allowing scientists to develop crops with enhanced resistance to drought, pests, and diseases. These advancements, when integrated with precision agriculture tools such as mechanisation, drones, digitisation and AI-driven analytics, could lead to a paradigm shift in Indian farming.

However, while biotechnology has demonstrated its potential, widespread adoption remains constrained by regulatory and infrastructural challenges. India’s agribiotech industry needs a strong, science-driven regulatory framework that encourages responsible innovation while addressing safety concerns.

Need for a Supportive Regulatory Framework

The need for a clear, science-based regulatory framework that serves the strategic interests of Indian agriculture has never been more pressing. The government’s guidelines published in 2022 exempt two categories of gene-edited crops from stringent GMO regulations, which was a step in the right direction. Greater policy support is required to ensure seamless approvals and commercialisation. A predictable regulatory environment will encourage private sector investment and drive further innovation in the sector.

Equally crucial is investment in research and development. Strengthening collaboration between public institutions, private enterprises, and global research bodies will accelerate breakthroughs in agribiotechnology. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to bring biotech innovations to smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture. At the same time, farmer education initiatives should be ramped up to dispel misinformation and build confidence in biotech solutions.

Investing in Research and Infrastructure

For agribiotechnology to realise its full potential, India must invest significantly in research infrastructure. Agricultural universities and biotech research institutions must be empowered with funding, modern laboratories, and collaboration opportunities with international research bodies. Innovation hubs and biotech incubators should be established to foster startups that work on genetic advancements, crop improvement, and biofortified crops. One of the key areas is weed management, which is becoming more expensive due to increasing labour costs. Yield losses due to yields are more than 20  per cent in many crops, as per a recent report. This problem can be tackled with the help of biotechnology.

By Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, Federation of Seed

Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Calling the Andhra Pradesh growth story in agriculture and allied sector as exemplary, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.80 per cent, experts attributed most of this success to the widespread adoption of biotechnology which has boosted agricultural productivity. At a workshop held at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Guntur, researchers, experts, and industry leaders discussed advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and biotechnological innovations for sustainable agriculture.

The workshop was jointly organised by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Lam, Guntur, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi, with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

Water availability will be a major concern for the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh, along with frequent cyclones and flooding. In rice, the largest grown crop, bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae is a challenge. To combat these challenges, researchers from ANGRAU and ICAR National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Delhi, have developed MTU 1232, a high-yielding, flood-tolerant rice variety. Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi, Vice Chancellor, ANGRAU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to agricultural research, citing MTU 1232 as a testament to biotechnology’s impact. “ANGRAU has led the development of resilient seed varieties using biotech tools like MTU 1232 developed using the Sub1A gene, withstands flash floods for 10-14 days and stagnant flooding up to 50 cm for over a month. With an 80 per cent survival rate and yields of 3,792 kg/ha under severe floods and 6,000 kg/ha in normal conditions, it is a game-changer for flood-prone regions,” she said.

Biotechnology’s success extends beyond rice to other crops.  Andhra Pradesh has been a leader in the adoption of Bt Cotton, with 4,73,345 farmers cultivating it in 2023–24. An ICAR-CICR study found Bt cotton increased yields by 3-4 quintals per acre while reducing pesticide use. Such advancements support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

 Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, FSII and Co-founder, AGVAYA, emphasized the role of biotechnology in tackling agricultural challenges. “Biotechnology offers both Transgenic and Non-transgenic solutions. With changing climate conditions and rising productivity demands, biotech innovations are crucial. Bt cotton exemplifies how genetically modified crops boost yields, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods. Other crops of Andhra Pradesh like Maize, Rice, Chilli, Vegetables, Pulses and Oilseeds can get a big boost with the help of biotechnology” he said.

Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, BCIL, highlighted biotechnology’s transformative impact. “The success of Bt cotton underscores its benefits for farmers. Since the introduction of genetically engineered crops in 1996, yields have improved across maize, soybean, cotton, and canola. Gene editing since 2012 has further accelerated crop improvement, offering faster, more precise solutions. Combined with precision agriculture, these innovations can drive the next wave of progress. These technologies undergo rigorous testing and stringent regulatory studies before they are approved. Farmers and consumers are encouraged to adopt them on a large scale as they are absolutely safe,” she said.

The workshop covered genome editing, pest and disease resistance, soil health, and the economic benefits of biotechnology for smallholder farmers. Experts stressed the importance of investment, policy support, and farmer education to unlock biotechnology’s full potential.

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India

Agribusiness leaders advocate for reduced compliance burden and clearer regulations.

The sustainable food and agriculture alliance Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) and the Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) successfully organised a high-level conference in Nagpur, bringing together over 70 agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts. The event addressed key challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under India’s Biodiversity Act, with a strong demand for policy reforms, including an exemption of MSMEs from Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) obligations and greater clarity in regulatory definitions.

Industry leaders highlighted that MSMEs—integral to India’s agrarian economy—lack the resources to navigate the complex compliance requirements imposed by ABS contributions under Section 7 of the Biodiversity Act. Participants argued that applying ABS obligations to small-scale enterprises would significantly increase their operational costs and administrative burden, potentially stifling growth and innovation. Drawing from global examples, industry representatives pointed to countries like Brazil and South Africa, where MSMEs are exempt from similar obligations, urging India to adopt a more supportive policy framework.

Dr Suhas Buddhe, Advisor, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), stated, “MSMEs are already struggling with rising input costs and market uncertainties. Imposing additional compliance requirements under the ABS framework could push many businesses towards financial distress. We urge the government to align policies with global best practices to protect and promote these enterprises.”

Stakeholders also underscored the urgent need to refine key definitions within the Biodiversity Act, particularly terms such as “bio-utilisation,” “commercial use,” and “value addition.” The lack of precise terminology has led to inconsistent interpretations, legal uncertainties, and reluctance among businesses to invest in biodiversity-related ventures. A collective call was made for a structured dialogue between the industry and the National Biodiversity Authority to streamline definitions and foster trust. One of the participants noted, “Effective regulation is built on clarity. Without well-defined terms, compliance becomes a challenge, leading to hesitation in adopting biodiversity-friendly business models. A consultative approach between industry and regulators is essential for a balanced and transparent framework.”

The conference concluded with a strong consensus on the need for immediate policy intervention. Attendees resolved to submit a formal proposal to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), advocating for the exemption of MSMEs from ABS contributions to reduce regulatory pressure and support small businesses. They also recommended the formation of a dedicated committee to review and clarify ambiguous definitions in the Biodiversity Act, alongside regular consultation mechanisms between agribusiness stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure policies remain practical and aligned with industry realities.

SFIA and VIA, as leading industry bodies committed to sustainable agriculture and policy advocacy, will spearhead efforts to engage with policymakers and ensure the concerns of MSMEs are addressed. The conference reinforced the need for a balanced approach that safeguards biodiversity while enabling economic growth and ease of doing business.

Agribusiness leaders advocate for reduced compliance burden

Agri Genomics, AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to make crops resistant to pests and diseases, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

Recently the Supreme Court reopened its hearing on several petitions contesting the central government’s decision to commercially grow genetically modified (GM) mustard. In wake of the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court of India on GM mustard, the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has expressed that FSII is optimistic about the regulatory process adopted for scrutinizing GM crops in India.

Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) said, “We are optimistic that a holistic picture emerges by recognising the significant role of technology in increasing agricultural production, solid scientific evidence, India’s robust regulatory systems and the nation’s long-term interests.

It is essential that the country’s aspirations in terms of reducing the huge edible oil imports, saving huge foreign exchange, boosting productivity and farmers’ incomes are given due importance as discussions progress. Hence, we are hopeful that the cultural, social and nutritional importance of mustard for India are recognised while deliberating the issue holistically.

We also reiterate that the regulatory process adopted for scrutinizing GM crops in India including the biosafety protocols adhered to by GEAC and RCGM for GM approvals, are not only robust but align with globally accepted and benchmarked standards.

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to make crops resistant to pests and diseases, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, India needs to be open to exploring such innovative technologies to transform its agrarian sector, which forms the basis of livelihoods of nearly two-third of the population.

Kaundinya also added that we at FSII, continue to closely watch the developments in this regard. We hope that science will prevail and ultimately, farmers will be able to access and benefit from scientific and technological innovations in future.

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to