ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR

IN SEED TECHNOLOGY

Submitted to- Dr. Bikramjit Singh

Submitted by- Amritpal Singh
Roll.no. - 17312108123
Bsc. (Hons.) Agriculture Semester V
Seed technology

Seed technology encompasses a range of scientific and technological

advancements related to the development, production, and improvement of
seeds used in agriculture. It plays a critical role in enhancing crop productivity,
improving crop resilience to environmental stresses, and addressing global
food security challenges.

Purpose of seed technology-

 Satisfying the farmer’s demand for reliable supply of a range of improved

seed varieties of assured quality at an acceptable price.
 Seeds are particularly important in farming systems where resources are
scarce since a significant contribution to productivity can often be gained
solely from the seed used, independent of other purchased inputs.
 Therefore, the genetic potential of seed largely dictates crop yields and
the productivity of other agricultural inputs and cultural practices.

Approaches to seed marketing:

 In countries where the seed market is immature, improved plant

varieties are released to farmers mainly through public sector research.
 Seed distribution may be undertaken by public sector agencies,
cooperatives or the private sector or, as is often the case, by more than
one of these channels at the same time.
 Varieties of seeds distributed through the public sector are usually under
the control of state-run organizations.
 In fact, whenever there are private seed companies, they usually have
access to these public varieties.

Role of private sector-

While the private sector plays a significant role, it's important to note that a
balanced approach involving collaboration between the public and private
sectors, along with effective regulatory frameworks, is essential to ensure that
seed technologies are developed and deployed in ways that benefit both
farmers and society as a whole.
Research and development-
Private companies invest heavily in research and development to create new
and improved seed varieties. This involves developing seeds with desirable
traits such as higher yield, resistance to diseases and pests, tolerance to
environmental stresses, and improved nutritional content.
Innovation-
Private sector companies often have the resources and incentives to innovate
in seed technology. They may use biotechnology, genetic engineering, and
other advanced techniques to develop seeds with specific characteristics, such
as drought tolerance, disease resistance, or enhanced nutritional profiles.
Commercialization-
Private companies play a crucial role in bringing new seed technologies to the
market. They invest in the commercialization of seeds by conducting field trials,
obtaining regulatory approvals, and marketing the seeds to farmers.
Seed production-
Private sector firms are responsible for large-scale production of quality seeds.
They use specialized facilities and technologies to produce seeds in quantities
that can meet the demand of farmers.
Distribution and marketing-
Private companies have extensive distribution networks that enable them to
reach farmers effectively. They play a vital role in the marketing and
distribution of seeds, making sure that farmers have access to the latest and
best-performing varieties.
Quality control-
Private seed companies implement quality control measures to ensure that the
seeds meet the required standards. This includes testing for purity, germination
rates, and the absence of contaminants.
Customization to local conditions-
Private sector companies often tailor seed varieties to local conditions. This
customization is important because different regions have unique
environmental factors and farming practices, and the private sector can
respond to these variations.
Capacity building-
Private companies may provide training and support to farmers, helping them
understand the proper use of new seed technologies. This can include
information on planting techniques, agronomic practices, and the benefits of
using improved seed varieties.
Collaboration with public institutions-
Collaboration between private seed companies and public research institutions
is common. This collaboration can facilitate the transfer of knowledge,
technology, and genetic resources, contributing to more effective seed
development.
Global trade
Private seed companies often engage in international trade, facilitating the
exchange of seeds across borders. This helps in the global dissemination of
improved varieties and allows farmers access to a broader range of genetic
resources.
Intellectual property rights (IPR)
Private sector investment in seed technology is often supported by intellectual
property rights, such as patents. This provides companies with the incentives to
invest in R&D, as they can protect their innovations and recoup their
investments through the commercialization of proprietary seed varieties.
Diversity of seed offerings
Private seed companies contribute to a diverse range of seed offerings. Farmers
can choose from a variety of seed options that suit their specific needs and
preferences, fostering agricultural diversity.
Faster adoption of technologies
The private sector is generally more agile and responsive to market demands.
This can lead to faster adoption of new and improved seed technologies,
allowing farmers to benefit from advancements in agriculture more quickly.
Risk management
Private seed companies invest in developing seeds with traits that enhance
resilience to various risks, such as climate change, pests, and diseases. This
helps farmers manage risks and uncertainties in their agricultural practices.
Farmer’s empowerment-
Through the provision of improved seeds and associated technologies, the
private sector empowers farmers by enhancing their productivity and income.
This, in turn, can contribute to poverty alleviation and rural development.
Adaptation to market demand-
Private companies respond to market demands and trends, such as the
growing interest in organic farming or the demand for specific nutritional
attributes in crops. This adaptability ensures that seed technologies align with
changing consumer preferences.
Technology transfer-
Private sector firms may engage in technology transfer initiatives, sharing their
knowledge and expertise with local partners, including farmers and agricultural
extension services. This can contribute to building local capacity in seed
technology.
Efficiency and scale-
Private companies often operate with a focus on efficiency and economies of
scale. This can result in more cost-effective seed production and distribution,
making improved seeds more accessible to a larger number of farmers.

Private sector’s expansion of share in India’s seed industry

 The share of the public sector in seed

production in the country reduced from
42.72 per cent in 2017-18 to 35.54 per cent
in 2020-21, while the share of the private
sector grew from 57.28 per cent to 64.46
 per cent during the same period, highlighting the rising role of private
companies in India’s seed sector.
 The Standing Committee on Agriculture’s 25th report on Demands for
Grants (2021-22) presented to the Lok Sabha in March this year quoted
the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare stating
that about 540 private seed companies, including those of Indian origin
and multinationals, operate in the country. Of this, about 80 companies
have their own research and development programmes. The rest
produce and market the seed of public sector varieties and are not
involved in breeder seed production.
 Most of the private seed companies are involved in the production of
foundation and certified/ truthfully labelled seed.
 The primary data by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)
shows that 53.25 per cent share of the public sector and 46.75 per cent
of the private sector is in the total formal system of seed supply.
 In the case of wheat, rice, maize and mustard, more than 300 companies
have licensed the varieties developed by ICAR and the quality seed of
newly released varieties is being made available to farmer.

Seed companies in Punjab

Rights seeds pvt. Ltd.
Identification No-U01112PB2012PTC036730
Business Nature-Manufacturer
Address-1893/1 STREET NO.4 MAHARAJ NAGAR
Location-Maharaj Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab
Vegetable Seeds, Radish Seeds, Ridge Gourd Seed, Chilli Seed, Bitter Gourd
Seeds, Hybrid Tomato Seed, Hybrid Brinjal Seed, Cucumber Seeds, Other

Kalash seed pvt. Ltd.

Identification No-U01403MH2011PTC212849
Business Nature-Manufacturer
Address-SCO-48, 1st Floor, Royal Estate Chandigarh Road,
Zirakpur
Location-Zirakpur, Patiala, Punjab
Vegetable Seeds, Cabbage, Snake Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Green Capsicum, Lady
Finger, Cucumber Seeds, Hybrid Watermelon Seeds, Other

Jivit Seeds

Address-5th Floor, Office No-48

Location-Patiala, Punjab
Hybrid Vegetable Seeds, Cauliflower Seeds, Bottle Gourd
Seed, Radish Seeds, Hybrid Watermelon Seeds, Leaf
Vegetables, Beetroot, Bitter Gourd Seeds, Other

Private seed companies in India