The cooperation project entered its first phase (2013-2016) with the aim of improving the framework conditions for the production and marketing of high-quality seeds as well as adapted and innovative varieties for Indian agriculture. The cooperation between German and Indian plant breeders and seed companies, variety and seed administrations as well as research institutions was initiated respectively strengthened.

The objective of the second phase (2017-2019) was to support the Indian seed industry by providing high quality seeds to Indian farmers, strengthening their competitive position and improving the conditions for international cooperation. A specific project objective was to identify areas with potential for improvement in the legal and political framework, in the production, processing and marketing of high quality seeds in India and to set an example for implementation at regional level in the state of Telangana.

The following results were achieved:

An ongoing dialogue between German and Indian organizations and authorities on the legal and political framework and potential improvements in the production, processing and marketing of high-quality seeds has been established.
Procedures and technical methods for the registration and identification of seeds with international standards as a basis for strengthening the seed and plant variety protection system were harmonized.
The “Seed Bowl” initiative in Telangana State was strengthened through selected measures to improve the production, processing and marketing of high-quality seeds in cooperation with government agencies and the private sector.
Technical partners in India were the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI), Telangana State Seed & Organic Certification Authority (TSSOCA), Telangana State Seeds Development Corporation Ltd. (TSSDC), Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and the Seedsmen Association Hyderabad. German partners included the Federal Plant Variety Office (BSA), the Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), the German Plant Breeders Association (BDP) and the Julius Kühne Institute (JKI).