Context:

• Union Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Asian Seed Congress 2025 in Mumbai.

Key Points:

• Organizer: Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA)
• Host City: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
• Theme of the Congress: “Sowing the Seeds of Prosperity through Quality Seeds”
• Participation:

– One of the most significant annual events for the seed industry in the Asia–Pacific region.

– Participation from more than 1,200 to 1,800 delegates representing over 40 countries, including business               leaders, government officials, researchers, and technical experts.

• Special Highlight:The official logo of Asian Seed Congress 2025 was also released during the inauguration ceremony.

Main Topics and Objectives

• Focus on Innovation:The Minister emphasized the role of the private sector and researchers in developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutrient-rich seed varieties.
• Facilitating Seed Trade: Discussions were held on removing regulatory barriers and developing a harmonized seed policy to promote international seed trade in the Asia–Pacific region.
• Empowering Farmers: Ensuring access to high-quality seeds for farmers to help them increase their income.
• Gene Editing: The Congress highlighted the role and regulation of advanced technologies, such as gene editing, in agricultural innovation.

India’s Importance:

• India is a major hub for the seed sector in Asia. Hosting this Congress reflects India’s growing role and leadership in seed diplomacy.
• India produces around 300 million tonnes of food grains and relies on a strong seed industry to meet its agricultural needs.

Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA):

• The largest and most important regional association representing the seed industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Established: 1994
• Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
• Structure: It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization.

Main Objectives:

• Seed Trade Facilitation: To promote free and fair trade of seeds among member countries, eliminating technical and regulatory barriers to trade.
• Technology and Innovation: To encourage the exchange of latest advances and technologies in seed production, crop improvement, and biotechnology (such as gene editing).
• Intellectual Property (IP) Rights: To ensure the protection and respect of intellectual property rights for seed varieties and genetic resources.
• Food Security: To help ensure the availability of high-quality, disease-free seeds to meet the needs of the region's growing population.