In Hyderabad, Telangana’s Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy urged seed companies to boost research, ramp up exports, and modernize infrastructure. His goal? Keep the state shining as India’s Seed Bowl.
Speaking at the Hyderabad Seed Conclave 2025, hosted by the Seedmen Association at Hotel Daspalla in Jubilee Hills, Reddy hailed seed firms as true nation-builders. He promised full backing from the state government. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, MLA K Satyanarayana, and other leaders also joined the discussion.
Reddy stressed that quality seeds drive agriculture forward. They form the foundation of food security and help farmers thrive by boosting yields and making better use of fertilizers and water. “High-yielding varieties are key to steady farmer incomes,” he noted.
He gave special praise to Nageswara Rao, calling him one of India’s few politicians who still farms hands-on. “He gets the real struggles of farmers and seed companies,” Reddy said. Since December 2023, under Rao’s watch, Telangana has hit record harvests in both kharif and rabi seasons. The state now leads the nation in paddy production.
Reddy pushed seed companies to double down on research and development. He especially wants new paddy varieties that deliver higher yields and better rice recovery. “Innovation in every crop will lift farmer incomes,” he added.
Telangana’s seed industry is going global, Reddy pointed out. Local rice and seed varieties already reach the Philippines, with plans to expand to Indonesia, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and other African countries. He compared it to the state’s booming software sector: “Seed exports can carry Telangana’s name worldwide and build our reputation, just like IT did.” The crowd applauded loudly.
The Congress-led government vows to fix all challenges facing seed manufacturers, Reddy assured.
Looking back, Reddy traced the industry’s growth. It started with agricultural universities providing improved varieties. As demand grew, private seed companies stepped in, investing in research and hybrids. In 1995, the Seedmen Association formed in Hyderabad to advocate for them and link with the government.
Today, the group boasts 505 members, from seed companies to associates and honorary members. Their executive committee, elected every two years, shapes policies and holds regular meetings. Members collectively spend Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1 crore yearly on breeder seeds from universities. This supports commercial hybrids for crops like cotton, maize, rice, sunflower, and vegetables.
The association acts as a central hub, handling breeder seed supply, ensuring rules are followed, running training programs, and partnering with agriculture and horticulture universities, the Seed Certification Agency, and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI). These steps have cemented Telangana’s top spot in seed production and supply.
The conclave marked the association’s 30th anniversary, drawing seed companies, researchers, and farmer reps. President G N V Ramakrishna and other leaders attended.
Reddy wrapped up by reaffirming the government’s support. He called on companies to keep fueling the rural economy. “As a minister and Telugu citizen, I see you as nation-builders. Your work will prosper farmers and make Telangana shine even brighter,” he said.
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