MAHARASHTRA, India – 21 November 2025 – The 2025 Asian Seed Congress (ASC 2025) officially concluded on Friday after five action-packed days of business networking, technical exchange, and international cooperation at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
Jointly organized by the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and India’s National Organizing Committee (NOC) — comprising the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) — this landmark edition welcomed more than 1,200 delegates from over 40 countries, affirming the Asia-Pacific region’s central role in shaping the future of global seed innovation, trade, and sustainability.
This was the fifth time India has hosted the Congress in its 30-year history, following previous editions in Goa (2015), Hyderabad (2008), Bangalore (2000), and New Delhi (1995).
Big Business, Bigger Impact
ASC 2025 reaffirmed its role as a strategic facilitator of international seed trade and investment, facilitating critical deal-making and partnerships that underpin tens of millions of dollars in annual seed commerce.
Over three-and-a-half days of trading, hundreds of face-to-face B2B meetings were conducted across nearly 200 trading tables, private meeting rooms, and a dynamic exhibition floor. These engagements linked seed enterprises, regulators, R&D leaders, and investors in planning and executing future market activities.
This business facilitation supports broader trends: in 2023, Asia-Pacific represented 32% of the US$92 billion global seed market — valued at US$29.7 billion — with regional formal seed trade flows estimated between US$4-7 billion annually.
Advancing Knowledge, Shaping Policy
Beyond business, ASC 2025 served as a vital platform for deepening technical expertise and advancing regional policy alignment across the seed sector. Throughout the week, five high-level Technical Sessions brought together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to address some of the industry's most pressing challenges — from harmonizing phytosanitary measures and advancing seed technologies, to strengthening IP protection, improving market intelligence, and fostering stronger public–private partnerships.
These sessions offered APSA members timely updates on regulatory developments and actionable insights into R&D and commercialization pathways, equipping them to navigate complex compliance frameworks, innovation pipelines, and shifting trade dynamics. More than just panel discussions, these forums facilitated candid dialogue between public regulators and private-sector leaders, reinforcing APSA’s commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy and science-driven seed sector growth.
Content from the Technical Sessions was professionally recorded and will be featured throughout the year via APSA’s ongoing knowledge programs — including the APSA Seed Academy x SIPP platform, Asian Seed Magazine, and a range of thematic training modules, webinars, and briefings under the association’s broader Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building portfolio.
As subsequently emphasized by APSA Executive Director Francine Sayoc during the AGM:
“APSA is not just the Congress. We offer year-round programs, tools and services designed to address member pain points, accelerate business, and build knowledge and technology capacities year round. We strongly encourage all members to engage with these opportunities throughout the year.”
This call-to-action underscores APSA’s broader mission to be a continual driver of innovation, collaboration, and resilience across Asia-Pacific’s seed sector – through all seasons, rain or shine.
Congress Culmination: AGM & Governance Renewal
The Congress culminated in APSA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by President Teck Wah Koh, co-chaired by APSA Vice President Takahiro Ando and Executive Director Francine Sayoc. Conducted in a hybrid format, the AGM enabled dozens of members who could not attend in person to participate virtually.
Reflecting on what he described as “a turbulent year globally with knock-on effects for the seed sector,” President Teck Wah expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout and commended the success of the event.
He went on to recognize and thank eight outgoing Executive Committee (EC) members whose tenure concluded during the AGM, including two Office Bearers:
Following the completion of their terms, seven new Executive Committee members were elected:
Md Ali Afzal – Krishibid Seed Limited (Bangladesh)
Chia-Hui “Linda” Chang – Known-You Seed Co., Ltd. (Taiwan, China)
Jean–Christophe Filippi – East-West Seed International Ltd.
Vaibhav Kashikar – Ankur Seeds Pvt. Ltd. (India)
Nguyen Ha Thuy – Bayer (SEA) Pte. Ltd.
Bhupen Dubey – Northern Seed Association (India)
Chou Fan-Li – American Seed Trade Association
President Teck Wah officially welcomed the newly elected EC members, emphasizing the fresh perspectives and expertise they bring to the alliance during this critical juncture for the seed sector.
The newly elected EC convened their first meeting on The newly elected EC convened their first meeting on 21 November, during which Chia-Hui “Linda” Chang was subsequently elected to serve as APSA’s Treasurer for the 2026–2027 term.
#SeedYouInAntalya, Then Back to Bangkok
Immediately following the AGM, a formal signing ceremony was held between APSA and the 2026 National Organizing Committee to cement preparations for the next Congress. Representing Türkiye’s seed sector, the 2026 NOC includes the Turkish Seed Union (TÜRKTOB), led by Memiş Kayhan Yildirim (President) and Muhteşem Torun (Secretary General), and the Turkish Seed Industry Association (TURKTED), led by Burak Gönen (President) and Kenan Yalvaç (Secretary General). The 31st Asian Seed Congress is confirmed to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 1–5 December 2026.
Adding to the momentum, Bangkok, Thailand was also announced to have won the bid to host ASC 2027, with exact dates and venue to be confirmed at a later date.
With renewed partnerships, strong regional engagement, and high expectations set by the success in Mumbai, APSA extends its heartfelt appreciation to all delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to making ASC 2025 a truly landmark event. The journey of sowing prosperity through quality seed continues—with eyes now set on Antalya 2026 and beyond.