The demand for Indian vegetable and fruit seeds in the international market is increasing rapidly. In the three months from April to June 2025, the country has exported seeds worth Rs 396 crore. India ranks second in the world after China in exporting seeds.
More than 500 private companies are operating in this sector in the country, and the private sector has a larger share compared to government institutions. The industry is flourishing due to increasing foreign demand, a large domestic market and innovative production methods. In the last financial year (2024-25), India earned a whopping Rs 1,330 crore in foreign exchange from the export of vegetable and fruit seeds.
Major Exports and Cultivation Areas
Types of Seeds: Beet, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Fruit Seeds, Onion, Pea, Pomegranate, Radish and Tamarind.
Major Cultivation Areas: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have emerged as major cultivation areas.
Major Export Destinations: USA, Netherlands, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Kenya, Poland, Italy and Malaysia are the major importing countries of Indian seeds.
Expert opinion and statistics of the last 5 years
According to experts, there is a need to focus on research to increase the productivity, quality and disease resistance of seeds. At the same time, a long-term agricultural export policy needs to be implemented to increase global reach.
Export figures for the last 5 years (figures in crores of rupees):
2021-22: 843
2022-23: 943
2023-24: 1090
2024-25: 1330
