In response to the recent assurance by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on the availability of quality seeds for the Kharif 2025 season, the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has reaffirmed its full preparedness to support the nation’s farmers through a resilient and responsive seed supply system.
Speaking on behalf of FSII, Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII and MD & CEO of Savannah Seeds, stated, “India’s agricultural resilience is built on the twin pillars of timely inputs and farmer confidence. FSII members have collectively ensured the availability of adequate, high-quality seed stocks for key Kharif crops, including paddy, maize, cotton, pulses, and oilseeds, well in advance of the season.”
As the leading representative body of the R&D-based plant science industry in India, FSII plays a vital role in encouraging agricultural innovation and sustainability. The member companies of FSII collectively account for approximately 70% of the research and development expenditure in the seed industry and supply nearly 50% of the total seed volume in the country, directly impacting the livelihoods of over 100 million farmers. “The private seed sector has been instrumental in transforming India’s agricultural landscape by introducing advanced seed technologies and high-yielding varieties, particularly for Kharif crops, which are sown during the monsoon season and form the backbone of India’s food production,” said Rana.
In preparation for the Kharif 2025 season, Rana affirmed that FSII members have taken all the necessary steps to ensure readiness in key crops such as paddy, maize, cotton and others such as vegetables. “Our proactive measures are aligned with that of the farmers’ across diverse agro-climatic zones have uninterrupted access to the seeds they need to maximize their productivity during this crucial sowing period,” he said.
In addition to highlighting the industry's proactive measures, Rana also made a specific appeal to the Union Minister, “Given the central role that hybrid rice plays in boosting productivity, saving water, and enhancing farmer incomes, we respectfully urge the Agriculture Ministry to advise the Punjab Government to reconsider and withdraw its restrictive order banning hybrid rice varieties,” said Rana.
Scientific evidence from public and private trials demonstrate that hybrid rice offers 15–20% higher yields, saves 20% irrigation water, and generates Rs 8,000–10,000 additional income per acre for Punjab’s rice farmers. In the current context of national preparedness and food security, it is critical that proven technologies are not withheld from farmers, especially in a high-stakes Kharif season.
Rana further emphasized FSII’s commitment to work in tandem with both the Central and State Governments to ensure that every farmer, particularly in vulnerable and sensitive regions, receives timely access to the best available technologies.
FSII, which represents leading R&D-driven seed companies in India, reiterated that the seed industry remains a strong and reliable pillar of Indian agriculture, ready to meet any challenge that may arise in the months ahead.
