Government has lunched the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds as a key initiative under the Union Budget 2025-26 to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen research in seed development. This mission aims to provide farmers with high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds, ensuring food security and sustainable farming practices.
According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the mission will focus on three major objectives: strengthening research infrastructure, developing improved seed varieties, and ensuring their commercial availability.
Over 100 new seed varieties have already been released since July 2024, including varieties of cereals, pulses, sugarcane and oilseeds, among others. These seeds have been developed to enhance crop productivity and withstand changing climatic conditions.
The government is focusing on enhancing hybrid crop development through advanced research, an improved seed production network, and widespread adoption of new varieties. Regional Centres of Excellence will play a key role by providing technical expertise, conducting field trials, and supporting farmers with knowledge transfer, ensuring they benefit from the latest advancements in seed technology.
However, while the mission promises significant benefits, concerns have emerged regarding its potential impact on crop diversity and traditional seed varieties. Some agricultural experts warn that a strong focus on hybrid seeds might lead to monoculture farming, which could threaten indigenous crop varieties and reduce genetic diversity in Indian agriculture.
To balance innovation with conservation, the government has also announced plans to set up a second Gene Bank, which will store 10 lakh germplasm lines, preserving traditional and rare seed varieties for future generations.
This initiative aligns with India's broader goals of enhancing food security, improving farmers’ incomes, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The commercial availability of advanced seeds will empower farmers with better choices, ensuring resilience against pests, diseases, and climate fluctuations. Additionally, this mission is expected to boost India’s seed industry, fostering growth in both public and private sectors.
The success of this mission will depend on effective implementation, farmer awareness, and a balanced approach that preserves traditional seed diversity while adopting new innovations. As the mission unfolds, its impact on crop productivity, sustainability, and farmer welfare will be closely watched.
