Are you aware of the fact that recently, in FY 2024-25, India has hit record highs with over 166 million tonnes of foodgrain production? And sure enough, that’s only possible because of the incredibly huge seed industry in the country. If that goes on like this, then sure enough, the estimate that we recently got about the agriculture industry doubling to about $650 billion to $1 trillion by 2035 would come true. Sure, there are many other sub-industries that contribute to it, but the seed industry has a lot to do with it. That is precisely why today we’re talking about these Top 10 Major Seed Companies In India 2025. Here we go.
1. Mahyco (Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd.)
This year, Mahyco is at the very top of the list, you know, a company that not only made India change its farming pattern but also made it more sustainable with the introduction of Bt cotton, a genetically modified cotton variety that is resistant to bollworms and gives higher yields. In 1964, Mahyco was established. It is not only one of the pioneers of seed companies in India but also one of the most powerful ones. Mahyco is the go-to company for Indian farmers who cultivate cotton, maize, rice, and vegetables. However, it is the company’s courageous biotech research and development and climate-smart hybrids that continue to give it a lead in the year 2025.
2. Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd.
Nuziveedu Seeds, a company that previously was ranked as the best-selling Bt cotton seeds in India, is at #2. Since its inception in 1973, this company from Hyderabad has been known for its tailored hybrids for different areas in crops such as cotton, maize, and paddy. Nuziveedu’s special factor in 2025 is its focus on farms, the experiments on the ground, the farmer feedback loops, and the vast rural distribution network. It has never been about the hype or the size, but rather the continuous and reliable results that the farmers value most were delivered.
3. Kaveri Seed Company Ltd.
Coming in third is a company that, without making a lot of noise, has spread its reign over the entire southern and the major part of the central region of India, Kaveri Seeds. Since its inception in 1976, the company has been recognized for its exact hybridization methods and for producing the highest number of farmers’ preferred cotton and maize seeds in recent times. Kaveri’s mainstay? More than 600 acres of R&D farmland just for on-field testing and adaptive breeding.
4. Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd.
Rasi Seeds is on the 4th position, and the reasons are quite evident. Rasi, a company from Tamil Nadu, is usually the most preferred choice of cotton farmers all over the country. The main reason for that is the company’s regular seed performance, no matter the location. Since 1973, Rasi has traversed its way through the field of hybrids, gradually establishing itself in maize, bajra, paddy, and vegetable hybrids, besides extending its range of products. However, the company’s commitment does not end with the diversity of products; it also provides one of the most extensive support systems for the farmers.
5. Syngenta India Ltd.
What is the outcome of a global giant becoming local? Syngenta is the answer to just that, you know, a company that is famous all over the world, but is working on the perfect seed solution for India. The product range of Syngenta, from hybrid rice and maize to nutrient-rich vegetables, is that which can survive both physical and biological stressors such as high temperature, drought, or disease. They do much more than just seeds; they offer results.
6. Advanta Seeds (UPL Group)
Advanta was established in 1994, but has made significant progress and climbed to the top of climate-smart seed solutions in a very short time. The company that used to be independent is now under the umbrella of the UPL Group, and the main emphasis has been put on these crops: rice, maize, sorghum, and mustard. These crops are specifically designed for areas that are prone to high risk and have low agricultural inputs. The company has made inroads with small and medium-sized farmers, totalling more than 10,000 in the tribal and semi-arid belts, providing them with scientifically supported hybrids that are not expensive at all.
7. Bayer CropScience Ltd.
Bayer may be a multinational company with an international background, but the post-Monsanto buyout is its Indian seed business that still holds the power. Bayer, sitting at #7, still has the major influence over maize, cotton, and vegetables through its genetically modified, high-performance hybrids, which are rich in biotechnology. It has been focusing largely on the use of digital farm management tools and the exact placement of seed for already fertile land to bring the productivity of farmers up to the next level.
8. VNR Seeds
This company from Chhattisgarh is gaining a lot of attention with its region-specific hybrids in vegetables and fruits. VNR hybrids are probably used by a farmer cultivating tomatoes, watermelons, chilies, or gourds. VNR’s unique selling point is their farmer-only trials-based breeding and farmer engagement; not many big companies are able to do this so efficiently.
9. East-West Seed India
This one? Oh, it’s a big international company that is still heavily influenced by the Indian culture. This company is mainly concentrated on hybrid vegetable development for small farmers. Thus, the firm has found enormous achievements with such plants as okra, tomato, chili, and bitter gourd. It is a seed company that prioritizes education and is quite unique.
10. BASF SE (India Operations)
BASF comes last on our list at number 10, not that it is the least significant, but mainly due to the fact that its seed division in India is still at the developmental stage. The reason why it is ranked here is solely due to its groundbreaking hybrid vegetables which are picking up a lot of interest because of their resistance to diseases and longevity.
Conclusion
See, these are by far the biggest and major seed companies in India, and it is true that if something goes wrong with the production of these companies, the effect can easily be seen on the entire agriculture industry of India. That’s how important these ten names are.
