Transforming Seed Systems in Two Key Agriculture-Focused States in India

Overview

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are the agricultural heartlands of India. However, because of problems like delayed certification, outdated varieties, scattered R&D, and little private sector involvement, these states still have trouble with their seed systems. High-yielding and hybrid seeds have the potential to raise productivity by 25–30% and double incomes, but systemic bottlenecks prevent their adoption. SkyQuest has partnered with state governments, certification agencies, SAUs, ICAR institutions, and private players to design a multi-stakeholder seed systems transformation program.

The Challenge

Low rate of varietal replacement: In Bihar, the average age of seed varieties is more than 28 years.

Protracted certification procedures: Introducing new varieties takes three to five years.

Poor private sector involvement: Private seed company involvement is hampered by delays and ambiguities.

Insufficient dissemination: Farmers lack access to trustworthy information regarding novel trials and seeds.

Absence of climate-resilient cultivars: Hybrids that can withstand stress are not commonly used.

Limited infrastructure for seed production: Facilities for processing and storing seeds in the public sector are not used to their full potential.

Our Approach

For creating a solid and scalable seed ecosystem in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, SkyQuest has anchored a consortium-led model.

Key Outcomes

·         A notable increase in rice, maize, wheat, and mustard yields due to the prompt adoption of hybrids.

·         An increase in acreage under HYVs and hybrids is planned for more than 500,000 hectares.

·         SSPs throughout the states will have access to improved seeds.

·         Increased revenue per farmer or season due to improvements in hybrid rice productivity.

Why It Matters

We create a strategic framework to hasten the adoption of enhanced, climate-resilient cultivars in Eastern India through field testing, in-depth ecosystem mapping, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. By strengthening the institutions that drive productivity and giving smallholder farmers more options, our work envisions to create the foundation for inclusive, scalable growth in India's most food-insecure areas.