Once key player in agriculture, Telangana Seeds Development Corporation grappling with operational issues

The corporation’s failure to attract bidders for seed supply tenders raises concerns about its ability to meet the demand for quality seeds

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Seeds Development Corporation (TGSDCL), which rose to become a key player in the State’s agricultural sector after its inception in 2015, is currently grappling with operational challenges that have impacted its performance. The fact that the seed supply tenders called by the corporation drew a blank in terms of response, speaks volumes about the state of affairs.

Over the years, TGSDCL showed commendable growth in its financial performance. The corporation’s turnover increased from Rs 270 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 457 crore in 2020-21. It also experienced a 3.04% increase in revenue and a 6.37% increase in profit in financial year 2019. The networth of the corporation saw an impressive increase of 19.32%. But today, it stands at a crossroads.

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TGSDCL was successful in producing and supplying quality seeds of various crop species, ensuring a sustainable increase in agricultural production as long as agriculture enjoyed prime focus during the BRS rule. However, over the last one year, with a new government coming in, it has lost the focus it enjoyed. The corporation used to provide extension and technical support to the farming community, helping farmers adopt innovative practices. But doubts are being expressed over its role in the recent past and in the coming months.

One of the primary issues impacting its operations is the lack of cold storage facilities, which forces the corporation to spend substantial amounts on renting private cold storage units. This additional expenditure on storage, loading, unloading, and transport has strained the corporation’s finances.

Moreover, the recent postponement of seed production tenders has raised concerns about the corporation’s ability to meet the demand for quality seeds. The changes in production and marketing schedules have affected the opening and closing of bids for various seed production projects. This year, there has been a noticeable lack of interest in TGSDCL’s seed supply tenders. Several factors have contributed to this situation.

The corporation’s financial struggles have made it difficult to attract bidders for its tenders. Delays in production schedules and logistical challenges have deterred potential suppliers. Increased competition from private seed companies offering competitive prices and better logistical support has further impacted TGSDCL’s tender process.

TGSDCL had decided to distribute 2,73,500 quintals of seeds, including some 50,000 quintals of soybean, for supply during the 2025-26 crop seasons. However, no seed supply company has come forward, and the lack of response is said to be of its own making. The tender schedule has been extended again, and it may not have a guaranteed response.