The National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC), a leading Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has declared its highest-ever dividend of ₹35.30 crores for the financial year 2023-24. This milestone reflects NSC’s strong financial performance and its commitment to national agricultural development. The dividend, which represents 5% of the company’s net worth, aligns with the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) guidelines and underscores NSC’s dedication to financial sustainability while supporting farmers across India.
In a ceremony held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Chairperson cum Managing Director of NSC, presented the dividend cheque to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The event was attended by senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi and Joint Secretary (Seeds) Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, along with key representatives from NSC and the Ministry of Agriculture. The occasion highlighted the corporation’s crucial role in India’s agricultural ecosystem and its continued efforts to enhance seed production and distribution.
Established in 1963, NSC has played a pivotal role in ensuring food security by providing high-quality certified seeds to farmers. Over the years, it has significantly expanded its operations, and the financial year 2023-24 marked a remarkable period of growth. NSC’s revenue from operations surged to ₹1,143.26 crores, up from ₹1,078.23 crores the previous year, while total income reached an all-time high of ₹1,182.48 crores. The company’s profitability also saw an impressive rise, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) increasing by 64.74% to ₹86.81 crores and Profit After Tax (PAT) growing by 38.15% to ₹73.64 crores.
The corporation’s operational efficiency and strategic market expansion have been key to its success. NSC’s seed sales revenue climbed to ₹1,005 crores, with non-subsidized seed sales rising to ₹920 crores. The company has embraced digital transformation, witnessing a significant increase in online seed sales. Strengthening its market presence, NSC appointed 992 new dealers, bringing its total dealer network to 4,665. Additionally, it collaborated with 2,126 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Large Area Multi-Purpose Societies (LAMPS), further expanding its outreach to farmers.
On the production front, NSC continues to enhance its capacity to meet the growing demands of Indian farmers. The corporation achieved raw seed production and procurement of 17.10 lakh quintals, with a processing capacity of 25.67 lakh quintals. Its five large farms in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Karnataka, spanning over 21,841 hectares, are integral to producing high-quality seeds. Alongside these farms, NSC collaborates with over 14,166 registered growers to ensure a steady supply of breeder, foundation, and certified seeds. The company operates through a well-established network of 11 regional offices, 48 area offices, 29 production centers, 75 seed processing plants, and 180 storage godowns, including seven air-conditioned seed storage facilities.
NSC is deeply committed to sustainability and innovation, focusing on biofortified and climate-resilient seed varieties that cater to diverse agro-climatic conditions in India. Its product range includes 80 crops and 900 varieties and hybrids, covering cereals, oilseeds, pulses, millets, fodder, fiber, green manure, and an extensive selection of vegetables. Additionally, the corporation produces saplings of fruit crops such as citrus, pomegranates, guava, mango, and aonla, as well as ornamental and forestry plants. These efforts align with the government’s vision of promoting self-reliance in agriculture and ensuring that farmers have access to superior-quality seeds.
NSC has also embraced digital platforms to make high-quality seeds more accessible to farmers nationwide. Most of its seeds and planting materials are now available on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), allowing farmers to order them online through any of the 30+ ONDC apps and receive doorstep delivery via logistics partners. This initiative is a significant step toward modernizing seed distribution and ensuring that farmers, regardless of their location, can access the best agricultural inputs efficiently.
As NSC continues to play a vital role in India’s agricultural growth, its record-breaking financial performance and commitment to innovation stand as a testament to its mission of empowering farmers. By combining financial strength with technological advancements and sustainable practices, NSC remains a cornerstone of India’s food security and agricultural prosperity.
