India Maize Seed Market Analysis
The India Maize Seed Market size is estimated at 359.5 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 475.2 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.74% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Indian maize seed market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the widespread adoption of hybrid maize seed varieties. In 2022, hybrid seeds commanded 65.8% of the market value, reflecting the industry's shift toward higher-yielding and more resilient seed varieties. This transition is particularly evident in states like Bihar and Tamil Nadu, which have achieved 100% hybridization rates, while other regions show varying adoption levels ranging from 23% to 100%. The increasing preference for hybrid maize seed is reshaping traditional farming practices and creating new opportunities for both domestic and international seed companies.
Technological advancement and innovation have become central to the industry's evolution, with major players investing heavily in research and development. In March 2023, Corteva Agriscience introduced breakthrough gene-editing technology for enhanced disease protection in corn seed hybrids, while Pioneer Seeds launched 44 new corn seed hybrid varieties featuring Vorceed Enlist technology for improved pest management. These innovations demonstrate the industry's commitment to developing seeds with superior traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced yield potential, addressing the evolving needs of Indian farmers.
The maize seed production landscape is experiencing notable changes in terms of supply chain optimization and production capabilities. Over 60% of India's total maize cultivation area utilized hybrid seeds in 2022, indicating a robust production and distribution network. Seed companies are establishing extensive research stations and breeding facilities across different agro-climatic zones to develop locally adapted varieties. This geographical diversification in seed production helps ensure consistent supply while maintaining seed quality and genetic purity.
The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic as companies focus on product differentiation and market expansion. Leading seed companies are adopting multi-brand strategies and strengthening their distribution networks to enhance market penetration. The industry is witnessing a surge in strategic partnerships between domestic and international players, combining global technological expertise with local market knowledge. These collaborations are facilitating knowledge transfer, accelerating innovation, and improving the overall quality of agricultural seed available to Indian farmers.
India Maize Seed Market Trends
Owing to its favorable agro-climatic conditions and robust demand for corn products, India has the second-largest cultivation area in Asia-Pacific
- Corn ranks third in India's cereal crop hierarchy, after rice and wheat. It constituted approximately 10% of the country's food grain production. In 2021, India stood as the world's fifth-largest maize producer, contributing 2.6% to the global output. Additionally, India holds the second-largest maize cultivation area in Asia-Pacific, with 10 million hectares dedicated to maize in the same period. While the Kharif season traditionally dominates maize cultivation, the rise of innovative cultivars and surging demand for corn products, like ethanol, has made winter maize cultivation increasingly viable. Consequently, the country witnessed a 4.2% increase in maize cultivation area from 2017 to 2022.
- Notably, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as India's primary maize-growing regions in 2022, collectively accounting for 80% of the total maize acreage. These regions' dominance is attributed to their favorable weather conditions for maize crops, leading to heightened demand for maize seeds.
- However, the maize cultivation area experienced a decline of 0.4 million hectares, dropping to 9 million hectares in 2019. This shift was driven by growers pivoting toward high-profit crops like soybean and canola. These oil crops gained favor due to their resilience in adverse weather and the rising demand from oil processing industries.
- Favorable agro-climatic conditions, coupled with the escalating demand for corn products, have been pivotal in driving the expansion of maize cultivation in India. This trend is expected to bolster maize seed sales in the country in the coming years.
The rising prevalence of pests and diseases, leading to significant yield losses, is fueling the need for enhanced maize varieties with multiple traits
- Growers prioritize cultivating corn due to its high profitability and their demand for specific traits. These traits include weed control, enhanced grain quality, early maturity, tolerance to lodging, and resistance to diseases like leaf curl and early rots. Additionally, growers seek corn varieties that exhibit adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions. Notably, companies like Bayer AG, BASF SE, and Syngenta offer traits that bolster disease resistance and productivity. These seed varieties are in high demand as there are no viable alternatives or sprays available for disease resistance.
- Maize faces significant pest challenges in India, with four major pests being the spotted stem borer, pink stem borer, shoot fly, and fall armyworm. The spotted stem borer predominantly affects crops during the Kharif season, leading to yield losses ranging from 26% to 80% across different regions. Similarly, the pink stem borer poses a threat during the Rabi season, causing yield losses between 25.7% and 78.9%. Companies like Corteva Agriscience and BASF SE offer insect control products to combat these pests.
- With changing weather patterns and an uptick in lodging issues, traits like wider adaptability, lodging tolerance, uniformity, and drought tolerance are gaining traction. Companies are actively introducing new products in response. For example, in 2023, Bioseed, a subsidiary of DCM Shriram, launched the corn hybrid 9792 in the Indian market.
- Farmers are increasingly turning to improved seed varieties to mitigate losses, boost yields, and enhance resistance against pests and diseases.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Hybrid breeding dominates the maize sector, given its status as a cross-pollinated crop
Segment Analysis: Breeding Technology
Hybrids Segment in India Maize Seed Market
The hybrid maize seed segment dominates the Indian maize seed market, commanding approximately 66% market share in 2024. This dominance is primarily attributed to the widespread adoption of hybrid corn seed across major maize-producing states, particularly in Bihar and Tamil Nadu, where hybridization rates have reached 100%. Hybrid maize varieties have gained significant traction due to their superior characteristics, including uniform cobs, enhanced resistance to diseases, pests, and drought conditions, as well as superior grain quality and higher cob counts. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth trajectory, projected to expand at nearly 6% through 2024-2029, driven by intensified hybrid breeding efforts from both public and private entities. Major seed companies like Bayer AG, Syngenta Group, and Corteva Agriscience are actively developing and introducing new hybrid maize seed varieties tailored to India's diverse agro-climatic conditions, further strengthening the segment's market position.

Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives in India Maize Seed Market
Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) and hybrid derivatives represent the remaining segment of the Indian maize seed market, particularly favored by small-scale farmers due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to be reused across growing seasons. These varieties are derived from naturally occurring plants and offer farmers the advantage of seed saving, making them an economically viable option for resource-constrained growers. Despite their lower market share, OPVs maintain relevance in specific regions where farmers prioritize local adaptability and traditional farming practices. The Indian Institute of Maize Research, along with various private players, continues to develop and maintain OPV varieties to serve this market segment. However, these varieties face challenges such as lower yields and reduced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses compared to hybrids, primarily due to decreased seed vigor when the same seed progeny is used in consecutive seasons. The market for conventional corn seed, which includes OPVs, remains significant for farmers seeking traditional cereal seed options.
India Maize Seed Industry Overview
Top Companies in India Maize Seed Market
The competitive landscape is characterized by continuous product innovation, with major players actively developing and introducing new hybrid varieties with enhanced traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and higher yields. Companies are investing significantly in research and development to strengthen their germplasm pools and breeding capabilities, focusing on developing regionally relevant seeds adapted to various agro-climatic conditions. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with research institutions and agricultural universities have become increasingly common to accelerate innovation and market penetration. Market leaders are expanding their distribution networks and implementing farmer engagement programs to strengthen their market presence, while also focusing on developing integrated solutions that combine seeds with complementary agricultural inputs and services. The emphasis on developing non-transgenic hybrids remains strong, as transgenic varieties are not permitted for cultivation in India. The maize seed market is thus driven by both innovation and regulatory compliance.
Market Dominated by Global-Local Player Mix
The Indian corn seeds market exhibits a balanced mix of global agricultural conglomerates and established domestic players, with both segments wielding significant influence in different regions. Global players like Bayer AG, Syngenta Group, and Corteva Agriscience leverage their extensive research capabilities and international experience, while domestic companies such as Kaveri Seeds maize and Nuziveedu Seeds maize capitalize on their deep understanding of local farming conditions and strong distribution networks. The market structure shows moderate consolidation, with the top five players accounting for a significant share, while still leaving room for regional players to maintain strong positions in their respective territories.
The competitive dynamics are shaped by a combination of organic growth strategies and strategic acquisitions, though large-scale mergers and acquisitions have been limited in recent years. Companies are increasingly focusing on building long-term relationships with farming communities through extensive farmer education programs and demonstration activities. The market is characterized by strong brand loyalty, particularly in regions where specific hybrids have proven successful, making it challenging for new entrants to establish themselves without significant investment in both product development and market development activities.
Innovation and Distribution Key to Growth
Success in the Indian maize seed market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop products tailored to specific regional requirements while maintaining cost competitiveness. Incumbent players must continue investing in research and development to enhance their product portfolio with varieties that offer improved resistance to emerging diseases and pests, better adaptation to climate change, and higher yield potential. Building and maintaining strong relationships with seed production farmers, ensuring consistent seed quality, and expanding distribution reach in underserved areas are crucial for maintaining market position. Companies must also focus on developing integrated solutions that address the entire cultivation cycle, including providing technical support and market linkages.
For contenders looking to gain market share, the focus should be on identifying and serving niche segments or underserved geographical areas while building strong technical capabilities and distribution networks. Success factors include developing strategic partnerships with local agricultural institutions, investing in farmer education programs, and establishing efficient seed production systems. The regulatory environment remains supportive of competition, though companies must navigate complex certification and quality control requirements. The risk of substitution is relatively low due to the specialized nature of hybrid seed development and production, though companies must remain vigilant about maintaining price competitiveness and demonstrating a clear value proposition to farmers. The presence of corn manufacturers in India further underscores the competitive nature of this sector.
India Maize Seed Market Leaders
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Bayer AG
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Corteva Agriscience
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Kaveri Seeds
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Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd
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Syngenta Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India Maize Seed Market News
- March 2023: Corteva Agriscience introduced gene-editing technology for added protection to corn hybrids, which helps in providing resistance to multiple diseases.
- March 2023: Pioneer Seeds, a subsidiary of Corteva Agriscience, launched 44 new corn seed hybrid varieties with new Vorceed Enlist corn technology to help manage corn rootworms.
- October 2022: Bayer AG launched an early maturity and high-performance corn seed variety, "DKC80-23 Mzati the Pillar," in the Malawi region.
Free With This Report
We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 90+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data from various regions regarding the area under cultivation for different crops within the scope
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- AREA UNDER CULTIVATION OF CORN, HECTARE, INDIA, 2017-2022
- Figure 2:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR CORN TRAITS, %, INDIA, 2022
- Figure 3:
- VALUE SHARE OF CORN BREEDING TECHNIQUES, %, INDIA, 2022
- Figure 4:
- VOLUME OF CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VALUE OF CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- VOLUME OF CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- VALUE OF CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF CORN SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF CORN SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CORN SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VALUE SHARE OF CORN SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 14:
- VOLUME OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VALUE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CORN SEED BY HYBRIDS, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 20:
- VALUE OF CORN SEED BY STATE CATEGORIES, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VOLUME OF CORN SEED BY STATE CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CORN SEED BY STATE CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VALUE SHARE OF CORN SEED BY STATE CATEGORIES, %, INDIA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 24:
- VOLUME OF ANDHRA PRADESH CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE OF ANDHRA PRADESH CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- VALUE SHARE OF ANDHRA PRADESH CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 27:
- VOLUME OF BIHAR CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE OF BIHAR CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 29:
- VALUE SHARE OF BIHAR CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 30:
- VOLUME OF KARNATAKA CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 31:
- VALUE OF KARNATAKA CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 32:
- VALUE SHARE OF KARNATAKA CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 33:
- VOLUME OF MADHYA PRADESH CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 34:
- VALUE OF MADHYA PRADESH CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 35:
- VALUE SHARE OF MADHYA PRADESH CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 36:
- VOLUME OF MAHARASHTRA CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 37:
- VALUE OF MAHARASHTRA CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 38:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAHARASHTRA CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 39:
- VOLUME OF RAJASTHAN CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 40:
- VALUE OF RAJASTHAN CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 41:
- VALUE SHARE OF RAJASTHAN CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 42:
- VOLUME OF TAMIL NADU CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 43:
- VALUE OF TAMIL NADU CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 44:
- VALUE SHARE OF TAMIL NADU CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 45:
- VOLUME OF TELANGANA CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 46:
- VALUE OF TELANGANA CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 47:
- VALUE SHARE OF TELANGANA CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 48:
- VOLUME OF UTTAR PRADESH CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 49:
- VALUE OF UTTAR PRADESH CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 50:
- VALUE SHARE OF UTTAR PRADESH CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 51:
- VOLUME OF WEST BENGAL CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 52:
- VALUE OF WEST BENGAL CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 53:
- VALUE SHARE OF WEST BENGAL CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 54:
- VOLUME OF OTHER STATES CORN SEED, METRIC TON, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 55:
- VALUE OF OTHER STATES CORN SEED, USD, INDIA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 56:
- VALUE SHARE OF OTHER STATES CORN SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, INDIA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 57:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, INDIA, 2017-2023
- Figure 58:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, INDIA, 2017-2023
- Figure 59:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, INDIA
India Maize Seed Industry Segmentation
Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal are covered as segments by State.Breeding Technology | Hybrids | Non-Transgenic Hybrids |
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | ||
State | Andhra Pradesh | |
Bihar | ||
Karnataka | ||
Madhya Pradesh | ||
Maharashtra | ||
Rajasthan | ||
Tamil Nadu | ||
Telangana | ||
Uttar Pradesh | ||
West Bengal | ||
Other States |
Market Definition
- Commercial Seed - For the purpose of this study, only commercial seeds have been included as part of the scope. Farm-saved Seeds, which are not commercially labeled are excluded from scope, even though a minor percentage of farm-saved seeds are exchanged commercially among farmers. The scope also excludes vegetatively reproduced crops and plant parts, which may be commercially sold in the market.
- Crop Acreage - While calculating the acreage under different crops, the Gross Cropped Area has been considered. Also known as Area Harvested, according to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), this includes the total area cultivated under a particular crop across seasons.
- Seed Replacement Rate - Seed Replacement Rate is the percentage of area sown out of the total area of crop planted in the season by using certified/quality seeds other than the farm-saved seed.
- Protected Cultivation - The report defines protected cultivation as the process of growing crops in a controlled environment. This includes greenhouses, glasshouses, hydroponics, aeroponics, or any other cultivation system that protects the crop against any abiotic stress. However, cultivation in an open field using plastic mulch is excluded from this definition and is included under open field.
Keyword | Definition |
---|---|
Row Crops | These are usually the field crops which include the different crop categories like grains & cereals, oilseeds, fiber crops like cotton, pulses, and forage crops. |
Solanaceae | These are the family of flowering plants which includes tomato, chili, eggplants, and other crops. |
Cucurbits | It represents a gourd family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera. The major crops considered for this study include Cucumber & Gherkin, Pumpkin and squash, and other crops. |
Brassicas | It is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family. It includes crops such as carrots, cabbage, cauliflower & broccoli. |
Roots & Bulbs | The roots and bulbs segment includes onion, garlic, potato, and other crops. |
Unclassified Vegetables | This segment in the report includes the crops which don’t belong to any of the above-mentioned categories. These include crops such as okra, asparagus, lettuce, peas, spinach, and others. |
Hybrid Seed | It is the first generation of the seed produced by controlling cross-pollination and by combining two or more varieties, or species. |
Transgenic Seed | It is a seed that is genetically modified to contain certain desirable input and/or output traits. |
Non-Transgenic Seed | The seed produced through cross-pollination without any genetic modification. |
Open-Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | Open-pollinated varieties produce seeds true to type as they cross-pollinate only with other plants of the same variety. |
Other Solanaceae | The crops considered under other Solanaceae include bell peppers and other different peppers based on the locality of the respective countries. |
Other Brassicaceae | The crops considered under other brassicas include radishes, turnips, Brussels sprouts, and kale. |
Other Roots & Bulbs | The crops considered under other roots & bulbs include Sweet Potatoes and cassava. |
Other Cucurbits | The crops considered under other cucurbits include gourds (bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, Snake gourd, and others). |
Other Grains & Cereals | The crops considered under other grains & cereals include Barley, Buck Wheat, Canary Seed, Triticale, Oats, Millets, and Rye. |
Other Fibre Crops | The crops considered under other fibers include Hemp, Jute, Agave fibers, Flax, Kenaf, Ramie, Abaca, Sisal, and Kapok. |
Other Oilseeds | The crops considered under other oilseeds include Ground nut, Hempseed, Mustard seed, Castor seeds, safflower seeds, Sesame seeds, and Linseeds. |
Other Forage Crops | The crops considered under other forages include Napier grass, Oat grass, White clover, Ryegrass, and Timothy. Other forage crops were considered based on the locality of the respective countries. |
Pulses | Pigeon peas, Lentils, Broad and horse beans, Vetches, Chickpeas, Cowpeas, Lupins, and Bambara beans are the crops considered under pulses. |
Other Unclassified Vegetables | The crops considered under other unclassified vegetables include Artichokes, Cassava Leaves, Leeks, Chicory, and String beans. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases, and Subscription Platforms