From genes to fields: A transformative seed tech revolution

What was once driven largely by conventional breeding practices has now evolved into a sophisticated science-led industry that applies genomics, data analytics, advanced phenotyping and digital tools to design crops for the future.

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As India faces intensifying climate challenges, erratic monsoons, heat waves, declining soil productivity and rising pest pressures, the seed industry has stepped up to develop varieties that are not only higher-yielding but also more resilient, resource-efficient and suited to the realities of modern agriculture.

India today stands among the world's fastest-growing seed markets, valued at an estimated Rs 30,000 crore and expanding at nearly 8–10 percent per year. This growth is supported by more than 350 large and medium-sized companies, each investing significantly in research to address the diverse needs of Indian farmers. With world-class breeding stations, molecular labs, controlled-environment facilities, and hybridization programmes spread across agro-climatic zones, India has emerged as a regional hub of seed science and innovation.

The foundations of this transformation lie in the country's rapid adoption of genomic technologies. Marker-assisted breeding has dramatically reduced breeding timelines, often by as much as 40 percent, and has allowed scientists to incorporate specific traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance or oil content with remarkable precision. India now has more than 1,200 mapped QTLs across key crops, giving breeders a rich genomic library to draw from. As gene-mapping tools improve and whole-genome databases expand, the tempo of trait discovery is increasing steadily. New Breeding Techniques, particularly CRISPR-based gene editing, represent the next major leap. Globally, over 750 gene-edited crop varieties are under development, offering traits that are identical to naturally occurring variations but achieved far more efficiently. As India builds regulatory clarity around NBTs, these technologies could unlock breakthroughs in drought-tolerant cereals, disease-resistant pulses, higher-yielding oilseeds, and vegetables with improved shelf life and quality.