A review: The Indian seed industry, its development, current status and future

Abstract

The agricultural sector is highly dependent on the availability and quality of seeds for a productive harvest. The response of all other inputs depends on quality of seeds to a large extent and estimated 15 – 20% contribution of quality seed alone to the total production which is depending upon the crop and it can be further raised up to 45% with efficient management of other inputs. Today, the Indian seed industry is the fifth largest seed market in the world and valued at more than Rs 2500 crores. The seed industry has grown steadily in the last four decades. A number of transformations have taken place in this sector over the past few decades like rising a penetration of the organised sector, growth in contract farming, agriculture becoming more mechanized, easy loan facilities, rise of exports, use of agrochemicals and high yielding seeds and an increasing role of the private sector in processing, branding and marketing, etc. Government took many progressive and reformative steps in last three decades for the growth of seed sector in the country. In terms of global trade, India is almost self-sufficient in flower, fruits and vegetables and field crops seeds. Research also have related to quality enhancement technologies such as cereals with higher proteins, minerals and vitamin contents like Golden rice, QPM and Fe and Zn enriched millets. A single-window clearance is recommended for faster release of useful transgenic crops along with its public awareness on benefits and possible risk issues in future.