Hyderabad: At the India-Africa Seed Summit 2025 in Hyderabad, Telangana State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao stressed the need for collaboration between India and Africa in agriculture. He called for cooperation not just in trade but through building trust and sharing knowledge and innovations.
Minister Rao spoke to delegates from different countries about how India achieved food grain self-sufficiency with the Green Revolution, which relied heavily on quality seeds. He emphasized, “Quality seeds are essential for crops, and crops are crucial for farmers’ progress.”
He noted that Africa grows crops like maize, sorghum, and millet, but many farmers use stored grains for planting, which reduces productivity. With Africa’s rich soils and good climate, he highlighted the importance of accessible, scientifically developed seeds for better yields and food security.
Rao highlighted Telangana as India’s seed hub, supplying 60% of the country’s seed needs and exporting to over 20 countries. This success is due to over 1,000 seed companies, advanced research, and strict quality standards recognized worldwide.
He discussed the Rythu Bharosa scheme, which supports farmers by depositing subsidies directly into their bank accounts. This allows farmers to buy quality seeds, promoting transparency and empowerment. He suggested African nations could follow similar approaches to enhance agriculture.
The African seed market is valued at around USD 3.99 billion. Rao urged farmers, researchers, and seed companies to take advantage of the India-Africa partnership for shared growth.
He thanked the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), and other partners for organizing the summit, which included representatives from both government and private sectors globally.
