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HomePosts Tagged "seed industry in India"
India, Opinions, Seeds

Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, highlights the significance of the seed industry in addressing food and nutritional challenges.

As global food insecurity and malnutrition continue to pose significant challenges, the seed industry stands as a critical player in addressing these issues. According to the United Nations, over 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, leading to various forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. At the same time, nearly one-third of the world’s food production is wasted, enough to feed an additional 2 billion people.

India, with its prominent role in global agriculture, ranks sixth in the world’s food market, accounting for 70 per cent of sales, and fifth in production, consumption, and export. With total food grains production standing at 332.98 million tonnes, the country is uniquely positioned to contribute to global food security. However, meeting this challenge requires more than just increasing food production, it calls for improving the quality of what we grow, and this is where the seed industry plays a vital role.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, highlights the significance of the seed industry in addressing food and nutritional challenges. “Seeds are the foundation of agriculture. By using advanced seed technology, we can provide farmers with high-quality seeds that are not only resilient to climate challenges but also rich in nutrients,” says Rana. “This ensures that farmers can grow more food with better nutritional value, helping to meet the dietary needs of billions.”

The seed industry directly responsible for contributions to food security by enabling the cultivation of higher-yielding and more resilient crops. This results in greater food production to meet growing demand. Additionally, innovations in seed technology have allowed for the development of crops that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, helping to combat malnutrition.

The seed industry’s impact extends beyond just boosting yields. It is also crucial for enhancing the nutritional value of food crops. “We are focusing on developing seeds for crops that are naturally rich in essential nutrients,” says Rana. “This includes biofortified varieties that offer higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, which are critical for tackling malnutrition. By improving the nutritional content of crops, we are directly contributing to better health outcomes.”

Farmers like Ganesh Nanote from Maharashtra have seen firsthand the benefits of improved seeds. “With better-quality seeds, we can grow crops that are not only higher in yield but also more nutritious,” says Nanote. “This has helped us not only in earning a better livelihood but also in ensuring that the food we produce is healthier for our families and communities.”

Ajai Rana also highlights the industry’s role in sustainability. “Sustainability is key to long-term food security. Our goal is to develop seeds that enable farmers to produce more food using fewer resources, such as water and fertilizers,” he says. “This ensures that agricultural practices remain environmentally sustainable while also providing nutritious food.”

As India continues to play a key role in the global food system, the seed industry’s contribution to ensuring both food and nutritional security is crucial. Through innovations in seed technology, the industry is supporting sustainable agricultural practices that will help feed the growing global population while also enhancing the quality of food. This makes the seed industry a central player in the mission to ensure access to nutritious food for all.

Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of

Agri Genomics, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, R&D, Seeds

For the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry, government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India.

Genome editing technology has the potential to offer solutions to address various problems the Indian agriculture sector is facing – from climate change and disease pressure to high input cost and declining income of farmers. Rapidly increasing population is intensifying the gravity of the problems. Precise genetic modifications, leading to the development of superior crop varieties with improved traits in a short time frame is a solution in sight.

In 2022, the Indian government exempted certain gene-edited plants from stringent biosafety regulations. SDN-1 and SDN-2 plants are thus freed from the cumbersome and time-consuming regulations currently imposed on the commercialisation of genetically modified transgenic crops. With this exemption, India’s seed sector is making good efforts for enhancing crop productivity, nutritional value, and sustainability. However, for the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry, government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India.

The adoption of genome editing (GEd) for crop improvement has the potential to bring India into the epicenter of international trade in agricultural products, said an article published on Tata Cornell Institute’s website in May 2022. It explained the potential of the new technology of GEd – which differs little from genetic modification (GM) – that India can (and should) exploit for its agricultural development through crop improvement and also making the country a global seed hub.

This is achievable since GEd can introduce desirable traits into crops. They include improved plant architecture, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency, which significantly can boost yield and reduce losses. An immensely promising new technology which can overcome the limitations of Genetic Engineering (GE) approach is set to revolutionise the global agriculture sector.

“It offers multifaceted mechanisms for targeted and precise changes in the plant genome through targeted mutagenesis; gene knock-out and knocking; stacking; and modulation of translation,” said a research paper published in a BIOTECH in 2020. This innovative technology is also amenable to multiplexing thus providing opportunity for improvement of complex traits namely yield, input use efficiency, quality, climate resilience, photosynthetic efficiency at a rapid pace.

As a result, it can enhance food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Major advantages of gene-editing technology for crop improvement include reduced breeding time, precise trait modification without linkage drag, and the creation of novel genetic variations with substantially enhanced traits. These benefits will enable the seed industry to develop and deploy superior crop varieties and hybrids on a fast track for the benefit of farmers and the country.

But considering the people’s apprehensions towards the gene related technologies for crop improvement it is crucial to understand the difference between GM and GEd so that the people will be able to make informed decisions. Though they appear to be the same, GM and GEd differ technically. GEd technology is a step ahead or a step apart from the GM technology.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine

For the development of gene-edited crops in

Agribusiness, India, Interaction, Seeds

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco, discusses key developments and challenges of this sector. Edited excerpts:

As of 2023, the Indian seed market is valued at $3,914.36 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.41 per cent by 2029. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from the seed business, which has recently captured the interest of investors, are something that Indian investors are eagerly anticipating. Foreign Direct Investment for the development and production of seeds and planting materials is allowed by the government. Leading seed firms are combining cutting-edge digital technology, lending a further boost to the market to mitigate the effects of pests, climate, and other external factors on farming. The agricultural sector is poised for a prosperous future because of the convergence of data science, artificial intelligence tools, cutting-edge phenomic analysis, and genetic sequencing. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco, discusses key developments and challenges of this sector. Edited excerpts:

How is technology helping the seed sector thrive?

Every facet of our lives is undergoing a rapid transformation as a result of the application of technology. Not one exception to this pattern may be seen in the agriculture and seed industry. Seed firms can develop novel, efficient, and speedier technologies for the production of new genetics that can be supplied through seeds due to the growing knowledge base of biological sciences mixed with information technology. Agriculture is facing numerous difficulties due to the depletion of natural resources, the influence of rapid climate change, and the growing demand for the development of instruments for sustainable agriculture. We believe that the utilisation of the aforementioned instruments has the potential to offer long-term solutions for overcoming these issues and assisting in the fulfilment of the agri expectations. For instance, the application of technology could help reduce the amount of fresh water and chemical fertiliser used for farming.

How has FDI in seed manufacturing strengthened the seed industry in the country?

Since the late 1980s and the early 1990s, when a new seed policy was introduced, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the seed business has been permitted in India. The liberalisation of FDI was a significant factor in the acceleration of the development of the Indian seed industry, as well as the introduction of innovation and technology. In the long run, it is essential to cultivate such an environment for the seed industry to provide farmers with improved goods and technology, hence strengthening the overall competitiveness of Indian agriculture and improving the quality and productivity of our crops.

What role can the government play in supporting the seed industry?

The development of a thriving seed industry is essential to the expansion of agriculture, and it has been an essential factor in the enhancement of agricultural yield across the globe over many years. For instance, the green revolution in India, which resulted in a surplus of food from ‘ship to mouth’ during the early years of independence, had its origins in the enhanced varieties of wheat and rice that we grew by utilising the genetics of wheat and rice that were brought in from Mexico and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Manila, respectively. In India and around the world, we can provide several examples of such shifts that have been brought about by the science of plant breeding. However, compared with other agriculturally developed countries, the size of the seed sector in terms of its potential is relatively quite modest at the moment. This presents us with a significant possibility for future expansion. As a result of the fact that the expansion of the seed industry would have a multiplier effect on the development of the agriculture sector, the contribution of the Government of India in the expansion of the seed industry would be beneficial to all of the stakeholders in Indian agriculture, most particularly our farmers.

What are the major challenges that are hampering the growth of this sector?

The ‘low amount of money’ we invest in research and development (R&D) is the most significant element that is hampering the expansion of the seed industry. Less than four per cent of our seed industry’s yearly income is anticipated to be invested in R&D, which is far lower than the 8 to 10 per cent seen in agriculturally developed nations. Since we have the greatest population to feed and our crop productivity is much lower than the average crop productivity around the globe for the majority of crops, we ought to be investing a great deal more in R&D. To promote investments in R&D, the sector requires heavy policy assistance. The most important areas include the strengthening of intellectual property rights, the promotion of a regulatory system that is founded on science and is predictable, the encouragement of market-based pricing, and the guaranteeing of policy harmonisation not just between the central government and the states, but also on a worldwide scale.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale,

Agrotech, India, Opinions, Seeds

By Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India

Seed is the first and the best hope a farmer has and it is the foundation of “Socio-Economic Empowerment and Development”.  Over the last decade, the Indian seed industry has expanded both in size and performance, involving both private and public sector entities. In 2022, the Indian seed market was valued at $6.3 billion, projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 12.43 per cent. Thanks to several foresighted and proactive initiatives by the Government of India, the country has witnessed an increased seed replacement rate, for example, in rice, rising from 40 per cent in 2011 to 64 per cent in 2017. The seed industry’s foundation was established in the 1960s and subsequent policies in the late 1980s, including the New Seed Development Policy (1988-1989), transformed the industry and provided Indian farmers access to superior seed and planting materials.

The Indian seed industry is at the forefront of innovation, focusing on areas such as pest and disease-resistant seeds, drought and heat-tolerant varieties, and more nutritious options to address the challenges of climate change and enhance nutritional value. Precision breeding techniques, along with data-driven approach and biotechnology innovations to develop new seed varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, drought, and heat etc., are gaining ground. More advanced seed technologies have bolstered agricultural productivity as climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns and increased pest resistance, presents a significant hurdle. Regulatory hurdles, such as the classification of genome-edited crops, hesitancy in acknowledging the important role and contribution of genetically modified (GM) crops and their utility remain big challenges for the growth of the Indian seed sector.

Key drivers of growth include a growing demand for high-quality seeds as farmers are becoming increasingly cognizant of the importance of using high-quality seeds; government support; adoption of digital technologies and increased investment from private and foreign entities. For the sustainable growth and development of the Indian seed industry, several policy and regulatory measures should be prioritised:

Policy & Regulatory Environment: Reforms are essential to establish a stable, predictable, transparent, and science-based policy and regulatory framework.

National Accreditation for R&D-based Companies: A system of accreditation for national-level seed research companies should be established, recognising their extensive efforts in research, data analytics, and quality control.

Investment in R&D: Encouragement of both public and private investment in seed research and development is crucial, with incentives and grants to foster the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritionally rich seed varieties.

Restoration of Tax Deduction: To encourage increased R&D investment in the seed industry, the restoration of a 200 per cent income tax deduction for R&D expenditure is recommended.

Developing Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties: Incentivise the development and adoption of climate-resilient seed varieties to address the challenges posed by climate change, such as drought-tolerant, flood-resistant, and heat-tolerant seeds.

Regulatory Testing of New Technology Products: Implement a smooth and predictable process for field testing of new technology seeds.

Encourage Seed Export and International Collaboration: Develop a comprehensive “National Seed Production & Trade Policy” to facilitate seed exports and engage international seed research institutions for knowledge and technology sharing. Work towards making India a global hub for seed production and exports, aiming to capture at least 10 per cent of the global seed trade market.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

By Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of

Agrotech, India, Interaction, Seeds

Sameer Manohar Sawant, President, Namdhari Seeds shares his views on the status of the seed industry in India. Edited excerpts:

Namdhari Seeds, founded in 1985, is a prominent player in the global vegetable and flower seed industry. Initially, the company focused on contract seed production for exports but later ventured into breeding programs to develop hybrid crops tailored for the Indian market. Their hybrid seeds have propelled them to a leadership position in India’s vegetable seed sector. With 500 commercialised hybrids across 2,00,000 hectares of open fields, greenhouses, and net houses catered by a network of 1500+ distributors, globally, today, the company has become an established name in the contract production market. All this is credited to its expertise and world-class IP protection stemming from over three decades of business built on trust and strong ethical practices. With a strong brand heritage, substantial investments in R&D, an extensive distribution network, and a diverse product portfolio, Namdhari Seeds is the preferred partner for numerous global seed players. Sameer Manohar Sawant, President, Namdhari Seeds shares his views on the status of the seed industry in India. Edited excerpts:

How is Namdhari Seeds contributing to the growth of the seed industry?

Namdhari Seeds is at the forefront of contributing to the growth of the seed industry in India. We are committed to advancing the sector through our comprehensive approach in research, production, and marketing of vegetable seeds.

Our research efforts are focused on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-adaptive Vegetable seed varieties. By continuously innovating and introducing new cultivars, we aim to address the evolving needs of farmers and changing environmental conditions. We uphold stringent quality control measures in seed production to ensure that our seeds meet the highest standards. Our state-of-the-art production facilities employ the latest technologies to produce seeds that are reliable and superior in performance.

We actively engage with farmers to provide them with the knowledge and training required for successful cultivation. Our expertise and guidance help them optimise their crop production and ensure a profitable harvest. Through our robust marketing strategies, we enable farmers to access broader markets, increasing their income and opportunities. We connect them with the right channels, ensuring that their produce reaches consumers effectively.

Recently the company inaugurated a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility, dedicated to enhancing its existing Plant Pathology and Seed Health operations and NABL Accreditation. How will you leverage the seed industry in terms of adhering to international standards and incorporating the latest technological advancements?

The state-of-the-art greenhouse and NABL accreditation are critical steps in our journey to adhere to international standards and embrace technological advancements. They empower us to provide seeds of the highest quality, aligned with global expectations. We are excited to contribute to the growth and advancement of the seed industry, both nationally and on the international stage.

The new greenhouse facility is dedicated to enhancing our plant pathology and seed health operations. By providing a controlled and isolated environment, it enables us to conduct precise and thorough research on disease resistance and overall seed health.

This facility accelerates our research and development efforts. It allows us to test a wider range of seed varieties, closely monitor plant responses to diseases, and swiftly identify and develop resistant strains. This, in turn, expedites the introduction of disease-resistant and high-yielding seed varieties to the market.

The greenhouse facility is designed to meet international standards for research and seed production. It ensures that our seeds are not only high-performing but also compliant with global quality benchmarks. This is essential for export and to meet the needs of farmers who demand seeds of international quality.  

The Centre has recently launched SAATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App, a Centralised Online System for seed traceability. How will it help in mitigating the challenges in the seed industry?

The launch of SAATHI is a significant step towards addressing critical challenges in the seed industry. This centralised online system for seed traceability and authentication will provide several benefits. For instance, SAATHI will make the entire seed supply chain more transparent, allowing stakeholders to trace the origin and journey of seeds, from production to distribution. This transparency can help build trust among farmers, consumers, and regulatory authorities.

 By ensuring that seeds meet specified quality standards, SAATHI will help mitigate the issue of substandard or counterfeit seeds. It will empower farmers with confidence in the authenticity and quality of the seeds they purchase.

The system will support regulatory authorities in enforcing seed regulations more effectively. This can help curb the distribution of unauthorised or low-quality seeds. SAATHI will help in reducing fraud and malpractices in the seed sector. It can deter the distribution of counterfeit seeds and the mis-labelling of seed varieties.

The holistic inventory feature will assist in better managing seed stocks, reducing waste, and ensuring that the right seeds are available at the right time.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

Sameer Manohar Sawant, President, Namdhari Seeds shares

Agrotech, Company News, Horticulture, India, R&D, Seeds, Vegetables

The scope of accreditation in Seed Health includes testing for pathogens such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), etc.

Bangalore based Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd (NSPL), a renowned leader in the seed industry has announced that its state-of-the-art laboratories based in Bangalore have been awarded NABL Accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).NABL, a constituent board of Quality Council of India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provides third-party assessment of technical competence for testing laboratories. The accreditation is under the category of ‘Testing laboratories in accordance with ISO/ IEC 17025 – General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.’

Gurmukh Roopra, CEO of Namdhari’s Group stated “We are incredibly proud to receive the prestigious NABL accreditation for our laboratory divisions. This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest quality seeds to our customers. Being recognized as one of the first Seed Health Testing labs in India to receive accreditation for testing the deadliest plant pathogen, the ‘Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus,’ demonstrates our dedication to cutting-edge research and maintaining the highest standards in the industry.”

The scope of accreditation in Seed Health includes testing for pathogens such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFv), Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic virus (CGMMV), Squash Mosaic Virus (SqMV), and Xanthomonas spp. NSPL follows 100 per cent ISTA and ISHI-Veg protocols for testing all pathogens included in the scope. Additionally, the Molecular Biology and Quality Checking (QC) lab has been accredited for Genetic Purity analysis (GPA), DNA fingerprinting, Germination, Physical Purity (PP), and moisture content tests in numerous crops.

“Receiving the NABL Accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team of experts. The journey to align our testing processes with NABL requirements was challenging, but our commitment to quality and continuous improvement drove us forward. This accreditation will further boost our operational control and mitigate risks, ultimately ensuring that our customers receive reliable and accurately tested products.” said Sameer Sawant, President (Seeds Business), Namdhari Seeds.

Benefits of NABL Accreditation:

Global Recognition: NABL’s Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) with ILAC and APAC facilitate global acceptance of test/calibration reports, reducing technical barriers to trade.

Confidence in Testing Reports: International recognition builds confidence in the testing process and product quality among customers.

Robust Quality Management System: Accreditation establishes a robust quality management system, reducing errors, inefficiency, and costs.

Continual Improvement: NABL’s traceability, accountability, impartiality, and competency requirements trigger continual improvement in the organization.

Government and Regulatory Acceptance: NABL accreditation is recognized and accepted by various government bodies and regulators in India.

Enhanced Customer Confidence: Accreditation increases customer confidence and satisfaction, potentially leading to increased business opportunities.

The scope of accreditation in Seed Health