IndiAgri Special 👨‍🌾 The future of cotton starts with protecting farmers. Rajendran Ramasami, Director, @FSII_India and Managing Director of @Rasi_seeds, shares his perspective on the challenges facing India’s cotton seed industry and why farmers must remain at the centre of innovation and policy decisions. With over 50 years of experience and seeds grown across more than 25% of India’s #cotton acreage this year, Rasi Seeds continues to focus on farmer welfare, research and innovation. The company is developing indigenous pink bollworm-tolerant #technology, now in its second year of trials, with encouraging results so far. Rajendran highlights the need for timely government approvals for trials and genuine research, stronger accountability to curb illegal hybrid seeds sold by fly-by-night operators, and greater support for innovation. Such practices hurt both #farmers and the legitimate #Seed industry. He also points to the growing challenges of cotton cultivation, particularly labour shortages and the need for mechanisation. Technology can be a game-changer in making cultivation easier, and the industry is keen to contribute through research and farmer-centric solutions. His message is clear: honest efforts by industry and farmers must not go unrewarded. Timely decisions, a level playing field and support for genuine innovation are essential to protect farmers and secure the future of Indian cotton. #SeedIndustry #IndianCotton @AgriGoI @icarindia @icar_cicr @NSAIndia

The #AsianSeedCongress2025 kicks off in #Mumbai! Hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre, the Congress brings together global seed leaders, researchers & innovators. Co-hosted by @FSII_India and @NSAIndia, this year’s theme is “Sowing Prosperity through Quality Seed”.