Agriculture remains a cornerstone of India’s economy and rural livelihoods. Agriculture and allied activities employ around 46.1% of the country’s workforce, making the sector one of the largest sources of employment in India, while contributing nearly one-fifth of national income at current prices. The sector is particularly important for rural communities, where agriculture continues to account for the majority of employment (Economic Survey 2025-26). Improving agricultural productivity is essential not only for increasing farm output but also for strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term food security. Within this context, the availability, quality and suitability of seeds assume particular importance. Seeds determine a significant part of a crop’s yield potential and influence its ability to withstand pests, diseases, drought, heat, flooding and other environmental stresses. As climate change increases production risks and agricultural resources such as land and water face growing pressures, the development and widespread adoption of high-yielding, pest-resistant and climate-resilient crop varieties have become increasingly important to India’s agricultural policy agenda
