Leadership Talk Series: Exclusive Chat with Dr. Shivendra Bajaj- Executive Director of FSII
“India should be welcoming technologies like GM crops and digitization of agricultural supply chain” — Dr. Shivendra Bajaj
Focus Agritech had an opportunity to interact with Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director of Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII). Dr. Bajaj is a thought leader in the industry and has worked in important capacities for organizations like The Association of Biotech-Led Enterprises-Agriculture Focus Group (ABLE-AG), Alliance for Agri Innovation, DuPont Pioneer and Dupont etc. He is a prolific writer and his interviews and articles are regularly published online.
2025 Update: FSII’s Advocacy for Biotech and Seed Innovation
Since 2021, FSII has intensified its advocacy for biotechnology and digital solutions, representing 40 R&D-based seed companies to enhance farmer productivity. In October 2022, FSII celebrated the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee’s (GEAC) approval of GM mustard for commercial cultivation, a milestone to reduce India’s edible oil imports by boosting yields. FSII’s 2023-2024 initiatives include promoting drone technology for precision farming and harmonized gene-editing regulations across Asia-Pacific, as presented at the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) sessions.
FSII collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture at the National Seed Congress 2024 in Varanasi, fostering public-private partnerships. Recognized for policy advocacy, FSII’s efforts align with India’s seed industry, projected to reach $19B by 2033 with a 10.5% CAGR. Dr. Bajaj, as APSA Technical Advisor, continues to drive global seed policy discussions.
Agriculture’s Economic Role
Focus Agritech: Do you see a renewed focus on agriculture and a joint vision for implementation?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: Agriculture supported India’s economy during the pandemic, with government steps to smoothen the agri-supply chain. More needs to be done to improve productivity, sustainability, and yields, giving farmers access to technology, cultivation choices, affordable storage, and processing opportunities.
Technology’s Transformative Potential
Focus Agritech: What transformation can technology bring to Indian agriculture in 3-5 years?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: Technology is critical to counter depleting resources and climate change. GM crops, supply chain digitization, gene editing, and AI can improve yields, nutrition, pest resistance, and sustainability. Gene editing requires minimal pesticides, reduces emissions, and enhances crop resilience, with Indian institutes actively researching these traits.
GM Crop Regulations
Focus Agritech: What’s the regulatory situation for GM crops in India?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: The review process at RCGM and GEAC works, but commercialization decisions are stalled. Bt Brinjal’s 2010 approval faces a moratorium, and recent field trial approvals met resistance. GM mustard lacks commercial approval, and state NOCs for trials remain a hurdle.
Importance of Bt Brinjal
Focus Agritech: Why is adopting Bt Brinjal important?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: Brinjal requires over 25 pesticide sprays per season due to the Fruit & Shoot borer. Bt Brinjal reduces pesticide costs, environmental load, and consumer exposure to insects. Bangladesh’s 2013 adoption increased yields by 30% and net returns six-fold. India’s indigenous Bt Brinjal, developed by ICAR, aligns with Atma Nirbhar Bharat but faces delays.
Safety of GM Crops
Focus Agritech: Are GM crops safe for consumption?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: Over 23 years, 1785 studies, including EU reports, confirm GM crops’ safety, showing no adverse health or environmental effects. India’s robust regulatory system ensures science-based evaluations, unlike conventional crops, supporting GM adoption.
Agritech Startup Potential
Focus Agritech: With 450+ agritech startups, what growth do you see?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: The sector’s potential is vast due to limited digitization and mechanization. Startups can engage farmers in production, marketing, storage, and transportation, connecting niche crop growers to consumers. FSII collaborates with stakeholders to foster a research-based seed industry.
FSII and AAI Initiatives
Focus Agritech: What initiatives are FSII and AAI driving for seed and biotech policy?
Dr. Shivendra Bajaj: FSII and AAI advocate for policies on Digital Sequence Information and Access and Benefit Sharing, impacting innovation. We address GM misconceptions, support harmonized gene-editing regulations, and shape GM food/feed import rules to encourage trade and collaboration.
Vote of Thanks
Focus Agritech would like to thank Dr. Shivendra Bajaj for his insightful and analytical responses to our questions. We are very optimistic that in his current role as well as future profiles he will continue to guide policy making in India and contribute immensely to the agriculture sector of India.
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