Cultivating Partnerships for a Food-Secure Future

The India-Africa SEED Summit 2025 is a landmark initiative aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between India and Africa in the seed sector, unlocking new opportunities for trade, technology, and innovation. As both regions strive to enhance agricultural productivity and achieve food security, the summit serves as a pivotal platform to strengthen partnerships, address challenges, and promote sustainable solutions for the global seed industry.

India's Leadership in the Global Seed Economy

India has emerged as a global powerhouse in seed research, development, and trade, ranking among the top five seed economies worldwide. With a seed trade valued at more than USD 5 billion, India meets a significant portion of the seed demand across Asia and Africa. The country's highly diverse agro-climatic conditions and advanced R&D capabilities have attracted major global seed companies to establish their research and development centers in India, further enhancing its role as a key player in the global seed market.

Despite contributing a small share to the global seed trade, India holds vast untapped potential for growth, especially in the commercial seed segment.With a rapidly growing agritech ecosystem, government-backed initiatives, and active public-private sector collaboration, India is well-positioned to drive agricultural transformation, not just domestically but across Africa and other emerging markets.

Africa's Growing Demand for Quality Seeds

Africa is at a critical juncture in its agricultural journey. With smallholder farmers forming the backbone of the continent's agriculture, access to high-quality seeds, modern farming technologies, and efficient supply chains remains a pressing concern. Currently, a significant portion of farmers in Africa depend on saved seeds for replantation, which limits productivity and reduces crop resilience.

However, recent liberalization of the seed sector and the growing involvement of private enterprises are paving the way for a more structured and dynamic seed industry in Africa. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are emerging as key seed hubs, driving demand for hybrid, climate-resilient, and high-yielding seed varieties. With Africa's food imports expected to reach USD 100 billion by 2030, there is a critical need to boost domestic production, enhance seed security, and drive self-sufficiency.

The India-Africa SEED Summit 2025 aims to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration, and technology transfer, ensuring that Africa benefits from India's expertise in seed innovation, research, and large-scale production.