India Tomato Seed Market Outlook to 2030

India Tomato Seed Market Overview

• India Tomato Seed Market has experienced notable growth, this is reflected by the Asia-Pacific Tomato Seed Market which reached a valuation of USD 385 million in 2023, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality seeds, rising awareness among farmers of hybrid and genetically modified seeds & expansion of the agricultural sector.
• Key players in the India Tomato Seed Market include Mahyco Seeds Ltd., Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd., Syngenta India Ltd., Bayer CropScience Limited and Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd. These companies dominate the market due to their extensive research and development activities, robust distribution networks, and strong brand presence.
• In 2021, Bayer CropScience announced plans to launch four new hybrid vegetable seeds, including tomatoes, in the Indian market. The event showcased over 120 high-yielding hybrid seeds across 14 fruit and vegetable crops with an aim to introduce hybrid varieties of high-yielding and disease-resistant vegetable seeds into the market.

India Tomato Seed Current Market Analysis

• The India Tomato Seed Market impacts the broader agricultural sector by increasing tomato production and productivity. Enhanced seed quality leads to better crop yields, directly contributing to farmers' incomes and the overall economy.
• In 2023, The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare launched Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) since the 12th Plan period. It provides support for creation of infrastructure conducive for development of the seed sector.
• In 2023, Maharashtra, particularly the Nashik district, along with Punjab and Haryana, dominated the India Tomato Seed Market. This dominance is attributed to favorable climatic conditions, advanced farming practices, and the presence of a robust seed distribution network in these regions, contributing to their substantial market share.

India Tomato Seed Market Segmentation

The India Tomato Seed Market can be segmented based on several factors:

By Product Type: The India Tomato Seed Market is segmented by product type into Hybrid Seeds, Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs), and Genetically Modified (GM) seeds. In 2023, Hybrid Seeds emerged as the most dominant sub-segment due to their higher yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to various climatic conditions, making them the preferred choice among farmers across the country.

By Cultivation Method: India Tomato Seed Market is segmented by cultivation method into Open-field Cultivation & Greenhouse Cultivation. In 2023, Open-field cultivation emerges as the most dominant sub-segment. Open-field cultivation method is widely practiced due to its lower cost and ease of implementation. However, it is more susceptible to environmental factors and pests.

By Region: India Tomato Seed Market is segmented by region into North, South, East, and West. In 2023, the North region prevailed due to states like Punjab and Haryana, known for progressive farming practices and higher adoption of hybrid seeds. These regions benefit from advanced irrigation systems and government support. Additionally, farmers in these states are more inclined towards using high-yield seed varieties to maximize their production.

India Tomato Seed Market Competitive Landscape

• Syngenta: In 2024, Syngenta collaborated with IBM Research and US biotech company Maxygen to leverage their expertise in data-based prediction modeling and directed evolution of proteins, respectively. These collaborations aim to enable novel solutions to agricultural challenges more quickly and efficiently.
• Namdhari Seeds Pvt Ltd: In 2023, Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd. inaugurated a new greenhouse facility in Bengaluru, aimed at enhancing its Plant Pathology and Seed Health operations. The 58,000 square-foot facility is designed to develop pest and disease-resistant crop varieties and align pathogen testing protocols with international standards.
• Mahyco’s Acquisition: In 2023, Mahyco's group company, Fowler Westrup India, recently acquired Netherland-based Seed Processing Holland (SPH), a leading producer of advanced seed processing equipment. This strategic acquisition strengthens Fowler Westrup's position as a global leader in seed and grain processing.

India Tomato Seed Industry Analysis

India Tomato Seed Market Growth Drivers:

• Increasing Demand for High-Quality Seeds: In 2023, the use of hybrid seeds in tomato cultivation reached 200,000 hectares, significantly boosting productivity and yield. The demand for high-quality tomato seeds in India has been on the rise due to the increasing awareness about the benefits of hybrid and genetically modified seeds.
• Growing Export Market: In 2023, India exported 78,000 metric tons of tomatoes, generating revenue of INR 861 million. The increasing export demand is encouraging farmers to adopt advanced seed varieties to meet the quality standards required in international markets, further driving the growth of the tomato seed market.
• Expansion of Protected Cultivation: The adoption of protected cultivation methods, such as greenhouse and polyhouse farming, has been growing in India. The cultivation area available for the production of tomato across India during the fiscal year 2022 was 843 thousand hectares. This method allows for controlled growing conditions, resulting in higher yields and better-quality produce.

 India Tomato Seed Market Challenges:

• Lack of Awareness and Training: Despite the benefits of hybrid and genetically modified seeds, there is still a lack of awareness and proper training among many farmers. This limited reach affects the widespread adoption of superior seed varieties, posing a challenge to market growth.
• Fragmented Supply Chain: The supply chain for tomato seeds in India is highly fragmented, affecting the timely and efficient distribution of seeds to farmers. Streamlining the supply chain and ensuring timely availability of seeds is crucial to overcome this challenge and support market growth.
• Pest and Disease Pressure: Tomato cultivation in India faces significant pest and disease pressure, which can adversely affect crop yields and quality. Developing and promoting seed varieties with better pest and disease resistance is essential to address this challenge and ensure sustainable growth of the market.

 India Tomato Seed Market Government Initiatives:

• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Under the National Horticulture Mission, the Indian government allocated INR 1.3 lakh in 2023 to promote the cultivation of high-value crops, including tomatoes. The NHM aims to enhance productivity and profitability in tomato farming, driving the demand for superior tomato seeds.
• Seed Village Program: The Seed Village Program, initiated by the Indian government, aims to improve the availability of quality seeds at the local level. It was introduced to upgrade the quality of farmer-saved seeds, which are about 80-85% of the total seeds used for crop production.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Funds (AIF): The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund, with a budget of INR 100,000 million to be disbursed till FY 2025-26. The objective of the AIF is to mobilize medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.

India Tomato Seed Future Market Outlook

India Tomato Seed Market is expected to grow exponentially by 2028, driven by increased adoption of hybrid seeds, expansion of protected cultivation and growth in organic farming.

Future Trends

• Increased Adoption of Hybrid Seeds: Over the next five years, the adoption of hybrid tomato seeds in India is expected to increase significantly. This trend will lead to enhanced productivity and profitability for farmers, supported by continuous advancements in seed technology.
• Expansion of Protected Cultivation: The area under protected cultivation for tomatoes is anticipated to grow by 2028. This growth will be driven by the increasing adoption of greenhouse and polyhouse farming methods, which offer better control over growing conditions and higher yields. Furthermore, advancements in technology and government incentives are expected to support this expansion.
• Growth in Organic Tomato Farming: The demand for organic tomatoes is expected to rise in the coming years, leading to an increased focus on organic seed varieties. By 2028, the area under organic tomato cultivation is projected to rise, driven by the growing consumer preference for organic produce. This trend will encourage the development and adoption of organic tomato seeds, contributing to market growth.