Varanasi, India
28 November 2024
Leading experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors gathered for a pivotal plenary session at NSC 2024, titled “Strengthening the Seed Sector through Public-Private Partnerships.” This session explored collaborative strategies to improve seed quality and accessibility.
Moderated by Dr. Jauhar Ali, Principal Scientist at IRRI, the session featured distinguished panelists, including Dr. A.K. Singh, Former Director of ICAR-IARI; Dr. Rajendra Barwale, Chairman of Mahyco; Dr. Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director of FSII; Mr. Yogesh Kumbhejkar, IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Seed Co. Ltd.; Dr. Venkatesh Hubli, Director of Research at Savannah Seeds; and Dr. Sangeetha Dawar, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science. Together, they discussed the challenges and significant opportunities involved in strengthening India’s seed sector through strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The session covered several critical themes, starting with distrust, unequal benefits, and limited adoption of innovative technologies. Panelists emphasized the importance of leveraging public research and private resources to overcome these barriers and ensure a more effective and inclusive seed sector.
One core topic was the equitable sharing of intellectual property rights (IPR). The panel discussed the need for mechanisms that ensure the benefits of seed innovations are fairly distributed, which would help sustain long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships between public and private entities.
A significant focus was placed on scaling innovation and delivery. Panelists agreed that public-private collaborations are essential for accelerating the development of improved plant genetics and for ensuring that these innovations reach farmers more efficiently. They also explored robust measures to address seed piracy, including implementing traceability systems, educational campaigns, and stronger enforcement to prevent the spread of counterfeit seeds.
The role of decentralized distribution networks, especially through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), was highlighted as a key strategy for enhancing seed distribution in rural areas, where access to quality seeds is often limited.
Participants also discussed the importance of government policies in fostering successful PPPs. Clear regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and incentives were deemed necessary to encourage private-sector investment and streamline collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Another crucial theme that emerged was the integration of digital tools. The panel stressed that digital solutions could enhance transparency, efficiency, and quality assurance in PPP projects, particularly in the seed sector, by enabling better traceability and access to information.
Finally, the session underscored the urgent need for developing climate-resilient seeds through PPPs. With climate change increasingly affecting agricultural productivity, partnerships to develop drought-resistant, disease-resistant, and overall more resilient seed varieties are essential for ensuring long-term food security.
The session concluded with a strong consensus on the importance of trust, transparency, and shared commitment from all stakeholders in driving the growth of the seed sector. By addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through strategic public-private collaborations, the seed sector can continue to evolve, ensuring sustainable growth and meeting the diverse needs of farmers and agriculture for years to come.
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