Seed Final Abstract

TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE CREDIT SEMINAR CHAIRMAN Dr. N. Selvaraj Professor and Head, ICH, Ooty Date: 02.04.2008

STUDENT Mr. Abid Hussain ID. No. 06-629-001 II M. Sc. (Hort.) - Veg. Sc. Time: 11.00 – 12.00 a.m.

“VEGETABLE SEED INDUSTRY” – prospect and retrospect ABSTRACT India is the second largest producer of vegetables, with a total production of 113 mt from 6.8 mha and a growth rate of 4 %. The present annual requirement of vegetables is estimated to be 125 mt and is expected to be over 150 mt by 2010. (NHB, 2006) This leap can be best achieved through proper use of improved varities and hybrid technology in combination with superior management skills. The Indian Seed Industry at present worth Rs. 500 crores of which around Rs. 200 crores is the export market. Opportunitywise, the Indian seed market can cross Rs. 10,000 crores worth of business in coming years. Considering plateauing yield, the potential for quality seed supply is very high. (Kataria, 2003) Traditionally, the seed industry was dominated by the public sector, largely due to protectionist attitude of Government. On the lines of the recommendation made by NCA, 1971 the NSP, 1988 allowed import of seeds and germplasm for research purpose. Presently there are about 225 private seed companies in India. The volume of turnover between the private and public sectors is 60:40. Both public and private sector organizations have a definite contribution each to promote in the development of vegetable seed industry and production of vegetables. Public sector has its strength in improving germplasm, seed production, quality control, seed certification, notification and registration of varities and other regulatory systems. The private sector with their corporate management skill and scientific & technological expertise can provide the Indian seed industry a strong base to fulfill the challenging task of meeting requirements of quality seeds. (Attavar, 2006) The Indian Seed Industry is undergoing wide ranging transformations, which include an increasing role of private seed companies, joint ventures, partnerships & innovations in numerous areas of R&D, production and marketing. But along with some grey areas also co-exists viz. IPR, lack of skilled and technical personals, open market marred with mergers and acquisitions. (Naik, 2001) A rich blend of private and public enterprises is prevailing in India with a unique opportunity in breeding a range of vegetable crops. Competent breeders capable of developing superior hybrids, backed by strong production capabilities can galvanize the industry towards development of hybrids not only for the Indian subcontinent but also for other Asian and middle-eastern countries. India has a vibrant vegetable seed industry and appears to be on the right track for the bright future. Key words: Vegetable seeds – History- Public, Private sector and MNCs - IPR –Industry trends References: 1. Attavar, Manmohan.2006. The role of private seed industry in R & D of agriculture. Souvenir. 2ndInternational Crop Science Congress. New Delhi 2. Swarup, Vishnu. 2005. Vegetable Seed Industry of India. Vatika 1 (i): 33-37 3. N. Anand and Dutta, O.P. 2003.Vegetable Seed Industry in India- World Seed Congress. Bangalore

4. 5.

Kataria, A.S. 2003. Vegetable Seed sector of India. Agriculture Today. P.29-32 Naik, N.2001.Indian Seed Industry: On the threshold of Consolidation. www.rabobank.com