ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal – Online Quality Seeds for Farmers in India

The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has launched an innovative online seed portal that enables farmers across India to purchase high-quality horticultural seeds online and receive them at their doorstep.

This initiative marks India’s first public-sector horticulture seed portal, offering a wide range of authenticated seeds to promote improved crop productivity and digital adoption in agriculture.

About the ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal

The ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal provides access to more than 60 high-yielding varieties of seeds, covering:

  • Vegetables

  • Flowers

  • Fruit crops

Each seed variety is supported with detailed cultivation guidance, including:

  • Suitability of agro-climatic location

  • Recommended cultivation practices

  • Crop management insights

This ensures farmers make informed decisions while selecting seeds best suited for their region.

Launch & Institutional Background

The portal was officially launched during the National Horticulture Fair at the IIHR campus in February by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Director-General of ICAR.

More recently, the portal was also launched through the SBI YONO App by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, further strengthening its digital reach and accessibility.

Key Objectives of the Seed Portal

The ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal aims to:

  • Deliver quality-certified seeds to farmers in remote and underserved regions

  • Promote fair distribution through a maximum purchase quantity system

  • Enhance agricultural productivity through reliable plant material

  • Support digital transformation in Indian agriculture

According to IIHR estimates, seed sales are expected to increase by 20–25% following the portal’s launch.

Online Payment & Accessibility

To ensure ease of use, the portal supports multiple secure online payment options, including:

  • Net Banking

  • Credit Cards

  • Debit Cards

  • UPI

The platform is designed to be farmer-friendly and accessible nationwide.

Platform & Security Details

The portal adheres to strict security and performance standards to ensure safe and reliable transactions.

Empowering Farmers Through Digital Agriculture

By combining technology, research, and accessibility, the ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal plays a vital role in empowering Indian farmers with trusted horticulture seeds and knowledge-driven farming practices, contributing to sustainable agricultural growth across the country.