Uttam Kumar Reddy calls for R&D and export push to sustain Telangana as seed hub
Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday urged seed companies to boost research, exports, and innovation to sustain the state’s leadership as the “Seed Bowl of India.” He was addressing the Hyderabad Seed Conclave 2025, organised by the Seedmen Association in Jubilee Hills.
Reddy described seed companies as “nation-builders” and assured the industry of full government support. The event also featured Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, MLA K Satyanarayana, and other officials.
Highlighting the central role of seeds in agriculture, Reddy said they directly impact yield, fertiliser efficiency, and irrigation outcomes. “High-yielding varieties are critical to farmers’ incomes and the country’s food security,” he said.
Telangana aims global with seed exports
He noted Telangana’s expanding global footprint, with seed varieties already reaching the Philippines and plans to export to Indonesia, South Africa, and Burkina Faso. “Our seed industry can take Telangana’s name across borders, much like our software sector did,” he said.
Calling for increased R&D, Reddy urged firms to develop paddy strains with better yields and rice recovery rates. He commended Minister Nageswara Rao’s hands-on leadership, saying Telangana has topped national paddy production under his stewardship since December 2023.
Govt support and industry evolution
Reddy assured that the Congress government would address issues faced by seed manufacturers. Tracing the sector’s growth, he noted how private seed firms, once dependent on universities for improved varieties, now invest heavily in hybrid research.
The Seedmen Association, formed in 1995, now has 505 members and plays a key role in coordination, training, and regulatory compliance. Member firms collectively pay up to ₹1 crore annually to agricultural universities for breeder seed, enabling hybrid production in cotton, maize, rice, sunflower, and vegetables.
The Association acts as a nodal body for coordination with agricultural universities, the Seed Certification Agency, and the National Seed Association of India. Reddy credited these efforts for Telangana’s emergence as a national seed leader.
The Conclave, marking the Association’s 30th anniversary, brought together industry leaders, researchers, and farmer representatives. Association president G.N.V. Ramakrishna and other office-bearers were present.
Concluding his address, Reddy reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the sector. “You are building this nation from the soil up. With your support, farmers will prosper and Telangana’s name will shine,” he said.