Mumbai, November 17 – Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, highlighted the need for new seed varieties that fit natural farming as the state plans to convert 25 lakh hectares into organic plots over the next two to three years.
He told reporters after the launch of the Asian Seed Conference‑2025 that seed companies must step up and produce climate‑resistant, low‑chemical seeds. “If seed makers bring fresh ideas to the table, we can move toward a sustainable future,” Fadnavis said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the world’s growing awareness of climate change is forcing farmers to grow crops that can survive higher temperatures and erratic rainfall. “The key to sustainable agriculture is to cut back on chemicals and lean into smart, resilient seeds,” he added.
India’s seed market is one of the fastest‑growing economies worldwide, reaching about $7.8 billion last year and expected to hit $19 billion by 2030. Maharashtra sits among the top five globally, after the USA, China, France, and Brazil. With more than 95 % of the seeds used in India produced locally, the industry has become a major driver of “Make in India.”
Fadnavis also noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to double farmers’ incomes across the country. To support this goal, Maharashtra is tightening seed‑industry rules. The state is enforcing mandatory certification, digital traceability, systematic registration and strict penalties against fake seeds. “Blockchain will play a crucial role in seed supply management,” he said.
The state has also rolled out the “Maha‑Krishi AI Policy,” the country’s first AI‑driven agriculture plan, with a ₹500 crore funding package. Using digital platforms like Agri Stack, Mahavedh and CropSap, the state can turn vast agricultural data into science‑based predictions for better yields.
“The work of Padma Shri Rahibai Popere, who preserved indigenous varieties, reminds us that protecting local seeds is essential for sustainable farming and higher farmer incomes,” Fadnavis added. He called on seed producers nationwide to join forces with the state to secure the future of farming.
Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that a new Seed Act will come into play during the upcoming budget session to curb the sale of unapproved or poor‑quality seeds. He also said that three clean‑plant centres are being established in Maharashtra to supply quality planting material for horticultural crops.
Chouhan emphasized affordable, high‑quality seeds for farmers, urging seed companies to place farmer interests first. He pointed out that domestic production of pulses and oilseeds is low and imports have risen, making the sector an important area for private sector involvement. All seed firms will soon be required to register fully on the “Saathi” portal, a platform designed to enhance transparency in the seed supply chain.
“We need the government and private industry to collaborate on developing varieties resilient to warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns,” Chouhan said. “The seed industry isn’t just about profit; it’s the backbone of the country’s food security and the world’s wellbeing.”
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