Venkatram Vasantavada is a seasoned agribusiness executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across Asia and Africa. He has held senior roles at global agricultural giants including Monsanto, Dupont Pioneer (now Corteva), and UPL-Advanta, where he consistently drove revenue growth, market share expansion, and product innovation.
As Managing Director & CEO of SeedWorks International Ltd., Venkatram has led the company through a transformative growth journey. Under his stewardship, SeedWorks achieved a 20% compound annual growth rate over eight years, expanded operations into Nepal, the Philippines, and Africa, and launched over seventy high-performing hybrids tailored to diverse agro-climatic zones. His strategic leadership has positioned SeedWorks as a trusted partner to smallholder farmers and a rising force in emerging markets.
Venkatram is an enthusiastic advocate for sustainable agriculture and inclusive innovation. He champions climate-resilient technologies, equitable seed access models, and ESG-aligned business strategies that integrate innovative science with farmer-centric solutions. His vision ensures long-term value creation for smallholders, agribusiness stakeholders, and food systems at large.
A respected voice in the agricultural community, Venkatram actively contributes to industry forums, policy dialogues, and strategic think tanks. He engages with senior leaders and policymakers to advance resilient seed systems, strengthen food security, and promote innovation-driven growth. He is also deeply committed to mentoring future-ready professionals in agribusiness, fostering leadership that is both visionary and grounded in impact.
His editorial clarity, strategic foresight, and commitment to excellence continue to shape the future of agribusiness across the Global South.
India is one of the fastest growing seed markets valued at USD 4 Bn and poised to grow to USD 6 Bn by 2030. It presents a compelling opportunity for growth and impact. With over 140 million hectares of cultivable land and a diverse Agro-climatic landscape, India offers fertile ground for advanced seed technologies, including varietal, hybrid and genetically modified varieties Cost of seed across crops varies between 3% to 7% and is among the lowest cost items, which delivers disproportionate benefits to the farmers.
The Key drivers being Increased demand for 4Fs (Food, Feed, Fiber, and Fuel), Modernization of Agriculture, Increasing Seed replacement rate, Export of Hybrid Corn, Hybrid Rice and Hybrid Vegetable seeds and Custom production opportunity given the diverse agroclimatic landscape. Government initiatives such as the National Mission on Seeds and Planting Material, coupled with growing private sector participation, are accelerating adoption and market expansion.
The presentation will explore the dynamics of India's seed market, identify key investment opportunities, and outline strategic pathways for stakeholders aiming to enhance productivity, sustainability, and food security through seed innovation.
