The cooperation between German and Indian plant breeders and seed companies, variety and seed administrations as well as research institutions was initiated in July 2013. Aim of the cooperation project was to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the Indian agriculture by improving the framework conditions for the production and marketing of high-quality seeds as well as adapted and innovative varieties for the Indian agriculture.

Main activities of the project included the conduction of several short-term missions of German experts to India (BMEL, BSA, BDP), the establishment of dialog and consultations on administrative, regulatory and technical issues and study visits of Indian experts to Germany, in particular on the

Harmonization of plant variety protection systems and DUS/VCU testing, Promotion of effective plant variety protection
Listing of plant varieties / marketing seed and plants
International standards and guidelines
Practical training by German experts on DUS/VCU in India and training on data management related to DUS/VCU trials in Germany
Organization of several national/international symposia in India on different policy and technological issues in the seed sector (PBR, IPR, PVP, DUS/VCU testing etc.)
Development of common viewpoints on biological diversity and access and benefit sharing for plant genetic resources
Exchange on technologies for conservation of genetic resources
Facilitation of co-operation between German and Indian seed companies.
ADT Project Consulting GmbH was subcontractor of the SFG and provided the overall project coordination of the project.