The Industry Analysis of Indian Conventional Seed Market Trends and Segmentation
                     The Industry Analysis of Indian  
Conventional Seed Market Trends 
and  Segmentation
The conventional seed market size in India is expected to be worth around USD 125.2 
billion  by 2033, from USD 61.9 Bn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the 
forecast period  from 2023 to 2033.
Growth Factor
This robust growth is fueled by several factors:
● Large Farmer Base: India has a vast pool of small and marginal farmers who 
primarily  rely on conventional seeds due to their affordability and ease of 
use.
● Government Support: The Indian government actively supports the 
conventional seed  sector through subsidies and initiatives promoting seed 
development and distribution.
● Organic Farming: The growing trend towards organic farming practices 
necessitates a  steady supply of high-quality conventional seeds.
● Diverse Crop Portfolio: India boasts a diverse range of crops, and conventional 
seeds  cater to this variety, ensuring food security for various agricultural 
products.
Market Segmentation
The conventional seed market segmentation reflects the different types of seeds 
used in  Indian agriculture:
● Food Crops (estimated market share of 70%): This segment includes seeds for 
staple  food crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, forming the bedrock 
of Indian food  security.
● Commercial Crops (estimated market share of 20%): This segment includes 
seeds  for cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables, crucial for 
generating farmer  income and contributing to the agricultural economy.
● Fodder Crops (estimated market share of 10%): This segment caters to the 
demand  for seeds used in growing livestock feed, crucial for supporting 
India's growing animal  husbandry sector.
Conventional Seed Market Players and Share
The conventional seed market share in India is dominated by a mix of public and 
private  players:
● Public Sector Seed Corporations (estimated combined market share of 40%):  
Public sector seed corporations like National Seeds Corporation (NSC) and 
State Seed  Corporations (SSCs) play a crucial role in ensuring seed 
availability and affordability for  small farmers.
● Private Seed Companies (estimated combined market share of 35%) : 
Leading  private seed companies like National Seeds, Mahyco, and Bayer 
CropScience are  actively involved in developing and marketing high-
quality conventional seeds.
● Farmer-Saved Seeds (estimated market share of 25%) : The practice of farmers  
saving and replanting seeds from their own harvests is still prevalent, 
particularly among  small and marginal farmers.
The Trends in Conventional Seed Sector
The conventional seed sector in India is witnessing exciting trends:
● Focus on Climate-Resilient Seeds: Developing conventional seeds with 
improved  drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, and pest resistance is 
crucial to address climate  change challenges.
● Biofortification: Introducing essential vitamins and minerals into 
conventional seeds  through breeding programs can help combat 
malnutrition, particularly among children.
● Integration with Technology: Leveraging digital platforms and mobile 
applications can  streamline seed information dissemination, connect 
farmers with seed suppliers, and  enhance market access.
● Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between public seed institutions and 
private  companies can foster research and development of improved 
conventional seed  varieties.
Challenges in the Conventional Seed Market
While the conventional seed industry offers immense potential, it faces challenges:
● Maintaining Seed Quality: Ensuring the purity and germination rate of 
conventional  seeds necessitates robust quality control measures throughout 
the seed production and  distribution chain.
● Limited Research and Development: Compared to the GM seed sector, 
conventional  seed research and development often receive less investment, 
hindering innovation in  breeding programs.
● Competition from GM Seeds: The increasing adoption of GM seeds in certain 
crops  poses a competitive challenge to the conventional seed market.
● Seed Piracy and Counterfeiting: Seed piracy and counterfeiting can 
undermine the  quality and reliability of conventional seeds, impacting 
farmer trust and crop yields.
● Reaching Small and Marginal Farmers: Ensuring efficient distribution 
channels and  access to high-quality conventional seeds for small and 
marginal farmers in remote  locations remains a challenge.
Conventional Seed Market Forecast
The conventional seed market forecast for India paints a picture of steady growth. 
And the  market size is projected to reach USD 18.2 billion by 2030. As the demand 
for food security,  organic agriculture, and diverse crop varieties continues to rise, 
the conventional seed sector is  well-positioned to play a vital role in the nation's 
agricultural future.
Conclusion
The India conventional seed market forms the bedrock of the nation's agricultural 
sector,  ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers. 
By addressing the  existing challenges, fostering innovation, and promoting 
sustainable practices, stakeholders can  contribute to a thriving conventional seed 
industry.
You can also read about: The Industry Analysis of the Indian Seed Market