The International Trade & Delegation Federation of Chambers (ITDFC) will host the Asia–Africa Seed Trade and Innovation Summit 2027 in Bengaluru on 12–13 January 2027. The Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Karnataka, Shri P. M. Narendraswamy, will be the Chief Guest. Various institutions are also supporting the summit.
The two-day event is a major international business initiative. It aims to strengthen seed trade, investment and agricultural innovation between Asia and Africa.
What Is the Asia–Africa Seed Trade and Innovation Summit 2027?
ITDFC is organising the summit with the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) as its Strategic Partner. AARDO is an intergovernmental organisation.
The summit is a dedicated platform for the seed industry. It focuses on hybrid vegetable seeds, international seed trade, investment, technology transfer and research collaboration. It also supports cross-border business partnerships.
The summit will bring together:
- Domestic and multinational seed companies
- International buyers and investors
- Policymakers and diplomats
- Agricultural research institutions
- Seed associations and industry experts
Minister to Be Chief Guest
Shri P. M. Narendraswamy, Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister, will grace the summit as Chief Guest. He has already appreciated ITDFC’s initiative to bring an international seed trade platform to the state.
An ITDFC delegation recently briefed the Minister on the summit’s goals. They also shared the expected international participation. The discussion covered ways to promote Karnataka’s seed industry through trade, investment, innovation and technology partnerships.
South–South Cooperation and Viksit Bharat 2047
The summit is built around South–South Cooperation. It seeks to deepen economic and agricultural ties among developing economies, especially in Asia and Africa.
It also supports Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s vision of becoming a developed nation. The summit encourages global trade, technology partnerships and investment, and it helps Indian enterprises connect with global markets.
Why Karnataka Is a Hub for the Seed Industry
Karnataka holds a strong position in India’s hybrid vegetable seed industry. It has established production clusters, experienced farmers, leading seed companies and research institutions.
Ranebennur in Haveri district is a recognised hybrid vegetable seed-production hub. The state is also home to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (GKVK).
The summit will showcase these strengths to international markets. It will open doors for exports, investment and research collaboration.
Who Will Attend
Organisers expect leading seed companies and multinational players, including Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Bioseed and Advanta. International delegations are expected from:
- Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo
- Indonesia, China and Thailand
- South Africa and other Asian and African countries
Ambassadors, High Commissioners, government representatives and investors will also take part. Agricultural universities and research institutions are expected as well. The initiative also encourages participation from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.
What the Summit Will Offer
The summit goes beyond conventional industry discussions. It focuses on direct business engagement. The programme includes:
- International Conference: Talks with policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders and agricultural experts
- International Seed Exhibition: Seed varieties, products, technologies and innovations on display
- International Trading Tables: Direct interaction between producers, exporters, importers and buyers
- B2B and B2G Meetings: Facilitated business and institutional partnerships
- Field Visits: A first-hand look at Karnataka’s seed-production ecosystem
Key discussions will cover hybrid vegetable seeds, international seed regulations and quality standards. They will also address biotechnology, climate-resilient varieties, research collaboration and global seed supply chains.
Participants can explore export markets and connect with seed importers, buyers and distributors. They can also look at contract seed production, joint ventures and technology-transfer collaborations.
Leadership Perspectives
Dr. K. S. Narayanaswamy, Chairman of the ITDFC International Seed Trade & Agriculture Council (ISAC) and Chief Convenor, said that Karnataka has a strong base in hybrid vegetable seeds. He noted that the summit will link India’s seed-sector strengths with new opportunities in Asian and African markets.
Syed Areesh Hussain, Chief Executive Officer of ITDFC, said the aim is to create a meaningful business platform. He said Indian seed companies will be able to engage directly with international buyers, distributors, investors and policymakers. He added that this will expand market access and strengthen India’s place in global value chains.
Summit Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Asia–Africa Seed Trade and Innovation Summit 2027 |
| Dates | 12–13 January 2027 |
| Location | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Organiser | International Trade & Delegation Federation of Chambers (ITDFC) |
| Strategic Partner | African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) |
| Chief Guest | Shri P. M. Narendraswamy, Agriculture Minister, Government of Karnataka |
| Focus Areas | Hybrid vegetable seeds, seed trade, exports, investment, R&D, technology transfer |
