Mumbai, India – 17 November 2025 – With the Asia–Pacific’s US$29.7 billion commercial seed industry taking center stage, business leaders, seed producers, regulators and policy advisers from across the globe are convening in India’s financial capital this week for the 2025 Asian Seed Congress (ASC).
Representing nearly one-third of the world’s US$90 billion seed market, APAC remains the global leader in rice, cotton and several high-growth hybrid segments—areas where the outcomes of this week’s discussions, partnerships and technical exchanges are expected to shape future trade flows and investment across the region.
Recognized widely as the “Grand Mahakumbh of Seeds,” a phrase inspired by India’s historic Kumbh Mela tradition to signify a major gathering of people and ideas, ASC 2025 brings together delegates from over 50 countries to advance cooperation on seed innovation, phytosanitary harmonization, market development and sustainable agricultural growth. The Congress takes place at the Jio World Convention Centre, marking one of the largest international agricultural industry gatherings ever hosted in India.
The 2025 Asian Seed Congress officially opened this morning, bringing together more than a thousand delegates for the Asia-Pacific’s most influential seed industry event.
Organized by the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) in collaboration with the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), this year’s Congress carries the theme:
“Sowing Prosperity through Quality Seed” – a timely reminder of the foundational role seed plays in securing the future of food, agriculture, and climate resilience across the world’s most populous region.
“This is more than just a Congress,” said Teck Wah Koh, President of APSA. “It’s a celebration of partnership, progress, and India’s pivotal role in the global seed ecosystem. As we gather in Mumbai, we’re not just exchanging ideas — we’re shaping the future of farming.”
The five-day event features a dynamic exhibition, technical sessions, country and crop-specific roundtables, and dedicated business matchmaking platforms, including nearly 200 trading tables and private meeting rooms for seed companies, investors, regulators, and researchers.
“India’s seed sector today is an engine of innovation, entrepreneurship and global opportunity,” said Ajai Rana, FSII Chairman. “With our unmatched agro-climatic diversity and strong R&D ecosystem, India is uniquely positioned to support global seed supply and food security.”
Dr. M. Prabhakar Rao, President of NSAI, echoed this, noting: “Delegates at ASC 2025 will witness first-hand how Indian seed companies are scaling up digital technologies, expanding export capabilities, and delivering high-performance varieties to farmers across geographies.”
Government Participation Signals Strong Policy Backing
Presiding over the Congress inaugural ceremony were two senior dignitaries from the Government of India:
Addressing delegates and a press in a packed hall, Union Minister Chouhan underscored the government’s support for research-led private sector engagement:
“For the production of good seeds, private sector players should move forward and should invest at least 10% for research purposes.”
His message reinforced the broader national strategy to boost productivity and sustainability through science-based innovation.
Chief Minister Fadnavis, welcoming the return of ASC to Indian soil after a 10-year hiatus, addressed the industry’s urgent need to tackle counterfeit seeds and strengthen regulatory enforcement:
“AI and blockchain [kind of a] system should be implemented for authentication and sale of seeds,”
he stated, highlighting Maharashtra’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to support seed traceability and farmer protection.
These sentiments reflect ongoing efforts by India’s public and private sectors to implement digital tools for enhanced quality assurance. Examples include:
With such high-level policy backing and multi-stakeholder engagement, ASC 2025 is already laying fertile ground for the next wave of innovation and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific seed industry.
APAC Seed Market & Trade Outlook
The Asia–Pacific seed market—valued at roughly US$ 29.7 billion (29.7 bn)—accounts for nearly one-third of the US$ 90 bn global seed industry. Within this dynamic region, India stands out as a major growth driver, with a domestic seed market estimated at around US$ 6 bn, or roughly 20 percent of the APAC total.
India’s seed leaders eye ambitious expansion, targeting a ten-fold increase in exports within the next five years as a regional seed hub. Current exports already exceed US$ 120 million annually, led by vegetable seeds in demand across Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Competitive advantages include 20–40 percent lower seed-production costs than developed markets, 15 agro-climatic zones enabling year-round multiplication, and growing alignment with OECD and ISTA standards through government-backed QR-traceability and certification systems.
About the Asian Seed Congress
Since its inception in 1994, the Asian Seed Congress has become APSA’s premier event, rotating annually across member countries in Asia-Pacific. It provides a vital platform for cross-border collaboration in seed science, production, trade, regulation and innovation.
Returning to India for the fifth time, ASC 2025 is being held for the first time in Mumbai—India’s financial capital and gateway to Maharashtra, one of the country's most diverse and agriculturally significant states.
The event will also feature post-congress technical tours to research institutions and seed facilities, as well as cultural showcases celebrating India’s heritage.