The India Seed Trade & Innovation Summit & Exhibition 2026, jointly organized by ASSOCHAM and ICRISAT, was held July 9–11 at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, focusing on advancing global seed trade, innovation, and sustainable agriculture. Session II, on Seed Innovation, Biotechnology & Emerging Technologies, was a highlight, spotlighting technology’s transformative role in agriculture.

Discussions covered advances in hybrid seed development, modern plant breeding, and the role of biotechnology and gene editing in creating next-generation seeds. Speed breeding techniques, using controlled light and environmental conditions to accelerate crop generations, were highlighted as a game-changer for rapidly developing improved varieties and shortening traditional breeding cycles.

Precision phenotyping—leveraging sensors, imaging, and AI-driven analytics—emerged as a critical tool for accurately assessing plant traits and enhancing selection efficiency in breeding programs. Experts also emphasized digital agriculture, intellectual property protection, and the growing contribution of startups and Agri-tech ecosystems in shaping the global seed industry. On the regulatory front, discussions stressed the need for science-based approval mechanisms, harmonized global frameworks, and regulatory readiness for gene-edited crops to accelerate innovation while ensuring safety and compliance.