The deficient rainfall this monsoon has severely affected Indian agriculture and the area being sown this kharif season has shrunk. This in turn has led to a fall in demand for major seeds.

The Rs 10,000-crore seed industry has taken a hit, and industry players say demand for major seeds has dropped by almost 10-15 per cent in the current kharif season, when bulk sales takes place.

Hybrid cotton seeds have taken the biggest hit, with their demand dropping by almost 15 per cent in the largest-growing state of Gujarat.