India has huge potential to export hybrid seeds: Minister

India with a domestic seed market size of about Rs 15,000 crore has a huge potential to become a global supplier of hybrid seeds, especially vegetables, field crops and flower, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Tuesday. India’s share in the world seed market is less than 2 per cent and the National Seed Policy aims to take it to 10 per cent by 2020.

Expressing concern over yield plateau in some crops in India, Singh called for more investment in research in the seed sector for development of new and better varieties, which not only have a higher yield potential, but have a wider range of adaptability and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

“Indian seed industry can become a major supplier of seed for global markets,” Singh said addressing the Asian Seed Congress organised by the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA). India has a big potential for hybrid seed production, especially of high value vegetable seeds at a cheaper cost compared with other countries, the minister added.

The country with its diverse agro-climatic zones, skilled human resources and enterprise offers opportunity for diverse seed production for exports, especially that of high value pollinated vegetables, field crops and flower seeds, said Singh, adding that besides vegetables, seeds of hybrid corn, paddy, pearl millet and cotton have promising exports prospects in Asian and African countries.

Stating that the government is ready to address the constraints faced by the seed industry, Singh said, “We will try our best to resolve the issues so that Indian seed industry of public and private sectors may fulfill domestic and international demand.”