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 (ASC 2025) officially opens this morning
(November 17), bringing together more than a thousand delegates for the AsiaPacific’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 agroclimatic 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.”
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.
Source: Apsaseed
