Unlocking India’s full agricultural potential demands strong policies, industry collaboration and a commitment to technological advancements, especially in seed innovation
India stands at the cusp of a transformative shift in its agricultural landscape, driven by its growing population, expanding economy, and the mounting challenges posed by climate change. With the Union Budget 2024 allocating Rs 1.52 lakh crore to agriculture, the government’s recognition of the sector’s importance in ensuring India’s economic future is clear. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for agricultural growth focuses on innovation, sustainability, and resilience. For India to realise its agricultural potential by 2025, however, clear policy frameworks and effective industry collaboration are essential.
At the core of this transformation is the need for a robust, resilient, and technologically advanced seed sector. As India transitions from a traditional, production-centric agricultural model to one that prioritises farmer welfare and income generation, there is a fundamental opportunity to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. A critical aspect of India’s agricultural future lies in scientific advancements, particularly in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops.
Globally, GM crops have proven successful in increasing yields, improving pest resistance, and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. Yet, India has been cautious in adopting GM technology, and a transparent, science-based approach to its regulation could help unlock its potential. A national consensus on the safe deployment of GM crops would support the goal of reducing reliance on imports, especially in essential crops like oilseeds and pulses.
The importance of collaboration between the private sector and public institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) cannot be overstated. Such partnerships drive significant research and development efforts across key crops like oilseeds, cotton, and maize, while also protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) to incentivise further innovation. A strengthened IPR framework could position India as a global leader in agricultural research and technology.
Youth involvement is emerging as a critical force for revitalising India’s agriculture. The average age of farmers in India is over 50, which highlights the need to encourage younger generations to enter the field. As of 2022, about 30 per cent of India’s youth are employed in agriculture, yet a large proportion still view it as a last resort. Programmes targeting youth education and entrepreneurship in agriculture are gaining traction, with initiatives like the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) and various skill development programs helping young farmers access better technologies and market opportunities.
Moreover, youth-led startups in agritech are making an impact in areas like precision farming, farm-to-table models, and sustainable agriculture practices, providing innovative solutions to long-standing problems.
For example, the ‘Agri-Startups’ ecosystem is seeing rapid growth, with over 3,100 agritech startups currently operating in India (as of 2023), and an investment influx that has grown by 20 per cent annually. This demonstrates the growing interest among youth to innovate and lead
the agricultural transformation. Furthermore, sectoral integration across the agricultural value chain is becoming more pronounced. India’s agricultural ecosystem is complex, with each sector, such as poultry, dairy, horticulture, and rural development, playing a distinct yet interconnected role in the overall growth. The government is focusing on strengthening these individual sectors as part of a holistic approach. The GST framework currently presents challenges for the agricultural sector, particularly about the costs and complexities of compliance for farmers and seed companies.
Simplifying the GST system could reduce operational burdens and make agricultural practices more sustainable and profitable. Additionally, targeted tax relief or incentives for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture, particularly in seed production, agro-processing, and machinery manufacturing, could support growth and job creation, especially in rural areas.
Restoring the 200 per cent income tax deduction for research and development (R&D) expenditure could significantly boost innovation in the seed industry. By reducing the financial pressures associated with R&D, such a policy would incentivise greater investment in developing drought-resistant and higher-yielding crop varieties. This would be particularly important in critical sectors such as oilseeds and pulses, where India faces challenges in achieving self-sufficiency.In addition, a unified national-level registration process for seeds, along with the “One Nation, One License” policy, would simplify operations for seed companies. The current multi-state registration process often leads to inefficiencies and delays, hindering the growth of the industry.
A streamlined system would enable companies to operate more efficiently and ensure that high-quality seeds reach farmers promptly, fostering growth and innovation in the sector. Research Linked Incentive (RLI) schemes could further encourage innovation by offering financial incentives for successful R&D outcomes. This would accelerate the development of new seed varieties that are climate-resilient and high-yielding, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in global agricultural research. Looking ahead, the future of seed research holds exciting possibilities, particularly in areas like biofortified crops, climate resilience, and hybrid development. Breeding drought-tolerant varieties of rice, oilseeds, and pulses will be essential to ensure food security in an era of unpredictable weather patterns.
(The writer is the chairman of, the Federation of Seed Industry of India and MD & CEO of Savannah Seeds; views are personal)