NSC 2024 featured a plenary on "Leveraging Market Intelligence for Enhanced Genetic Gains" highlighting the transformative role of data-driven insights in aligning breeding programs with market demands. Experts emphasized public-private partnerships, grassroots feedback, and platforms like GloMIP to drive innovation, enhance genetic gains, and advance sustainable agricultural practices for global food security.
ISARC, Varanasi, India, 29 November 29 2024 — The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC), co-organized by the International Rice Research Institute and theNational Seed Research and Training Centre under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, showcased a dynamic plenary session on "Leveraging Market Intelligence in the Seed Industry for Enhanced Genetic Gains." The session brought together a diverse group of experts from research institutions, private companies, and farmer organizations. They discussed how data-driven insights can improve breeding programs and seed systems to better meet agriculture's changing needs. The session encouraged engaging discussions and practical insights, highlighting how Market Intelligence (MI) can transform farming practices.
Discussions on various subtopics were abundant as speakers emphasized how Market Intelligence bridges policy, research, and local-level decisions. In his introduction, Dr. Prakashan C.V. from IRRI emphasized the CGIAR initiative's global relevance and introduced the MI framework, focusing on its integration with platforms like the Global Market Intelligence Platform (GloMIP) to guide evidence-based breeding programs.
Adding to this, Dr. K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, called to establish a robust national Market Intelligence system. Reflecting on the success of market-based approaches by organizations like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), he suggested, “A comprehensive Market Intelligence framework can empower stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. With public-private partnerships and effective data-sharing mechanisms, we can create a resilient system that improves productivity and ensures fair returns for farmers.”
Furthering his thoughts on the role of public-private partnerships in leveraging MI into agriculture, driving innovation, and aligning R&D with market realities, Dr. Raman Babu, Seed Product Development Lead for South Asia from Corteva, shared insights and examples to leverage MI in private-sector breeding programs. The examples included the development of heat-tolerant germplasms and downy mildew-resistant millets, demonstrating MI’s transformative role in ensuring high returns for farmers.
Dr. Smitha Kurup, Group Leader at Mahyco Private Limited, underscored the importance of tailoring breeding strategies to meet local and premium market demands. She shared how MI has driven her organization to refine product profiles, such as fine-grain rice varieties, for specific geographies and consumer segments. "When breeding strategies align with consumer and market demands, adoption rates and stakeholder satisfaction rise across the value chain," she remarked, illustrating how targeted innovations enhance market impact.
Dr. Arun Kumar, Principal Scientist – Seed Science & Technology at ICAR-IARI, delved into the practical applications of MI in addressing logistical and regulatory challenges. He provided examples of how farmers use MI to meet export quality standards and combat issues like pest infestations. "From tackling pest infestations to meeting export criteria, MI is a game-changer. It equips farmers with the tools they need to thrive in domestic and international markets," he said, reinforcing MI’s value in improving efficiency and readiness across breeding pipelines.
The grassroots perspective brought a practical lens to the discussion, as Mrs. Rita Rai, President of Om Gaura Sewa Sansthan, shared. She highlighted how varietal traits, such as crop duration, influence farmers’ decision-making processes. "Farmers rely on actionable information, and that’s where collaboration with research institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) becomes critical," she emphasized, showcasing how farmer feedback forms a crucial part of effective MI systems.
The session concluded with Dr. Pallavi Sinha, Scientist – Plant Breeding at IRRI, emphasizing the power of transdisciplinary collaboration. She explained how combining field data with laboratory insights, supported by geographically segmented databases, ensures precision in breeding programs. "The fusion of field data with laboratory insights ensures that breeding programs remain precise and impactful," she remarked, advocating for seamless knowledge exchange across the agricultural ecosystem.
This plenary session illuminated the transformative potential of Market Intelligence in reshaping breeding programs and seed systems. The discussions underscored MI's role in driving agricultural innovation and resilience by weaving together insights from policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and farmers. The collective commitment to leveraging MI promises a future where the seed sector remains agile, impactful, and aligned with global sustainability goals.