Seed companies play a pivotal role in modern agriculture, serving as the cornerstone for the cultivation of crops that feed the world. According to a report, the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, so the demand for innovative and resilient crops will only increase. From small, family-owned businesses to multinational corporations, seed companies contribute uniquely to the agricultural ecosystem, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and extensive research and development programs. In this landscape Yashoda Seeds stands as a leader, founded by Shankarrao Diwanji Pawade back in 1995, is one for the ages. From a modest start with 10 people and a focus on ensuring the self-sustainability of families, the firm has grown to be one of the top agriculture companies in India, specializing in hybrid and research seeds for all major crops.
Strategic Distribution Network
Yashoda Seeds effectively mitigates the persistent challenge of seed availability through a resilient and expansive distribution network. Farmers encounter recurring difficulties in accessing seeds, particularly for high-demand crops such as cotton and pigeonpea, owing to volatile market cycles. This unpredictability poses challenges for demand forecasting in Maharashtra, a region known for its diverse cultivation of crops like paddy, soybean, and cotton. Yashoda Seeds utilizes a network of 1,100 distributors and 11,000 retailers for efficient last-mile delivery, supported by a responsive sales team of over 160 people.
Their diverse seed stock minimizes market fluctuations, ensuring consistent access for farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity and stability.
“Our focus is on delivering seeds with advanced treatments that enhance both productivity and sustainability. For instance, our recent product in the Hybrid Maize and Research Pigeon pea, Research Soybean segment has been treated with a crop protection chemical that reduces the need for additional sprays, providing built-in protection from pests at various growth stages. This innovation lowers crop protection costs and minimizes labor-intensive processes for farmers. Additionally, we are exploring synchronized boll bursting in cotton to streamline harvesting. These efforts ensure that our seeds not only yield better crops but also maintain their nutritional value and quality”, speaks Vismay Pawade, Director.
Sowing innovation, harvesting sustainability, Yashoda Seeds leads the way in redefining agricultural possibilities
Building Trust through Quality Assurance
Yashoda Seeds has spent 28 years establishing itself as a trusted name among farmers. The firm estimates that approximately 18,00,000 plus farmers choose Yashoda Seeds annually, reflecting their trust in its products. The company’s experienced agriculture field supervisors, well-trained by its HR team, ensure high-quality production. The company’s seed processing team of 50-60 members, based at the firm’s state-of-the-art plant, maintains rigorous quality control standards. “We also have a dedicated Quality Control (QC) team conducting essential tests like germination and vigor to guarantee seed purity and performance. These measures ensure that farmers receive reliable, high-quality seeds, fostering repeat purchases and long-term trust in Yashoda Seeds”, says Vismay Pawade.
Yashoda Seeds has made significant strides in introducing innovative seed varieties, focusing on soybeans and paddy. Recognizing soybean's advantage as a less labor-intensive crop, especially in regions like Vidarbha where Soybean and cotton is predominantly sown, the firm has launched two new research-driven soybean varieties like Bramhos-1009 & Yashoda-9041. In the paddy segment, the company’s product 'Jai Shriram Gold' has maintained market leadership for 15 years, demonstrating the enduring quality and reliability of its offerings. Yashoda Seeds is known for superior pigeon pea varieties like Yashoda 45. The company plans to expand from 9 states to 15 states in 5 years, focusing on R&D and licensing to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability nationwide.