PAID ACCESS | Published on : 10-May-2025 | Pages: 195-201 | Doi : 10.37446/volbook102024/195-201
The seed industry is a fundamental driver of agricultural productivity, technological innovation, and global food security. This chapter examines the diverse and evolving business models that shape the global seed sector, with a special focus on the critical role of licensing agreements in enabling innovation and protecting intellectual property. It explores key mechanisms such as Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBRs), patents, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and open-source models, all of which facilitate the regulated exchange and commercialization of genetic resources. By analyzing the structural transformation from public sector-led systems to privatized and market-oriented frameworks, the chapter highlights the growing influence of multinational corporations and specialized niche players. A detailed examination of the Indian seed industry provides insights into indigenous business models, regulatory policies, and public-private partnerships, contrasted with international practices and global trends in sustainable agriculture. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the complexities of seed business strategies and licensing frameworks in an era of rapid agricultural advancement.
Seed industry, business models, licensing agreements, intellectual property, Plant Breeder's Rights, patents, Material Transfer Agreements, open-source seeds, India, agriculture, biotechnology
Agrawal, R. L., & Kumar, S. (Eds.). (2018). Hand Book Of Seed Industry Prospects And Its Costing. Scientific Publishers (India). (This book provides a good overview of the Indian seed industry, including aspects of seed propagation, processing, storage, and the Seed Act.)
AgroPages. "Private sector's share in India's seed industry expands to 65 per cent." (Provides recent statistics and trends in the Indian private seed sector.)
CSAU, Kanpur. "Indian Seed Industry: Current Status and Future Growth." (A report/presentation available online from a public institution, offering insights into the Indian seed industry's growth and challenges.)
Gautam, P. L. (2012). Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights: A Review. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, 25(1), 9–30. (A key article discussing the PPVFR Act in India.)
Heffer, P. (n.d.). Biotechnology: a modern tool for food production improvement. FAO. (This publication provides an excellent overview of how biotechnology impacts various aspects of seed production and quality.)
International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Official Website: www.upov.int (Essential for understanding the international framework for Plant Breeder's Rights, including the UPOV Convention and its various Acts.)
Kloppenburg, J. R. (2004). First the Seed: The Political Economy of Plant Biotechnology. University of Wisconsin Press. (A foundational text that explores the historical development of the seed industry and the political economy of plant intellectual property.)
Kotschi, J., & Horneburg, B. (2018). The Open Source Seed License: a novel approach to safeguarding access to plant germplasm. PLoS Biology, 16(1), e3000023. (Explores the concept and implications of open-source seed licensing.)
National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSCL). Official Website: https://www.indiagov.in/official-website-national-seeds-corporation-limited (Provides information on the role and activities of a key public sector entity in the Indian seed industry.)
Opie, H., Akpo, E., Desmae, H., Okori, P., Ininda, J., & Ojiewo, C.O. (2022). Business models for early generation seed production and marketing. ISSD Africa Working Paper 2022-02. (While focused on Africa, this paper includes a case study on India's early generation seed system and provides insights into public, private, and PPP models.)
Singh, A., et al. (2021). Chapter 16: Seed Systems and Certification. In Plant Breeding and Genetics E-Book Series. Iowa State University Press. (This chapter provides a general overview of formal and informal seed systems, seed classes, and certification processes, which are relevant to business models.)
Srinivasan, C. S., & Thirtle, C. (2005). Welfare impacts of intellectual property protection in the seed industry. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 87(4), 951-968. (While a bit older, this paper provides an economic perspective on the impact of IP on the seed industry.)
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001. (Official Indian legislation on plant variety protection.) Accessible via the Gazette of India or relevant government portals.
Various authors. (2017). License agreements: segmentation within the international market of seeds. Revista Propriedade Intelectual, 23, 19-45. (Discusses how licensing agreements, particularly for genetic traits, facilitate the global distribution of technologies.)
