Seeds play a critical role in strengthening food security and nutrition, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, and promoting sustainable resource use as well as climate resilience. In India, the seed sector was initially driven primarily by public institutions, including National and State Seed Corporations, Public Sector Undertakings, and the National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System comprising ICAR research institutes and Central and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). However, following the introduction of the New Policy on Seed Development in 1988, the sector witnessed rapid expansion of private participation, with both domestic and multinational seed companies playing an increasingly important role.
Against this backdrop, the study seeks to assess the contribution of the seed industry to Indian agriculture, farmer incomes, sustainability, and employment generation across the agricultural value chain. Specifically, the study will: (i) examine the impact of SmartRice and hybrid seed technologies on crop yields, cultivation costs, and farm profitability per acre; (ii) evaluate the role of FullPage® technology in promoting Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR), improving water-use efficiency, enhancing environmental sustainability, and increasing farmer profitability; (iii) quantify the socio-economic benefits generated through Savannah’s seed production network for local farming communities; and (iv) measure Savannah’s domestic footprint across logistics, processing, and allied activities, including direct and indirect employment generation. The study is expected to provide valuable policy and industry insights into sustainable agricultural transformation, climate-resilient farming systems, and inclusive rural development in India.
