GeM Revamps Portal and Introduces 170 Seed Categories; Plans to Feature Nearly 8,000 Seed Varieties

To streamline the procurement of quality agricultural and horticultural seeds, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has introduced an extensive revamp of its seed categories, adding 170 new types to its platform. Just ahead of the upcoming cropping season, the updated GeM portal now hosts nearly 8,000 diverse seed varieties accessible for procurement by Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), as well as other governing bodies, for further distribution across India.

The initiative, launched after consultations with key stakeholders including state seed corporations and research institutions, aims to provide a well-defined framework for seed acquisition. These newly organized categories align with the Government of India’s regulations and include essential parameters to simplify the procurement process for authorities, ensuring compliance and enhancing efficiency.

As part of GeM’s broader strategy, the new categories emphasize category-based procurement to minimize time spent on tendering processes, thus fostering transparency, accountability, and promoting active seller participation across the nation. This approach is expected to stimulate greater efficiency in government procurement while expanding opportunities for sellers.

Deputy CEO of GeM, Roli Khare, encouraged seed suppliers to utilize these categories to increase their involvement in government tenders. "We invite sellers to leverage these new seed categories and list their offerings to participate freely in government tenders. We also encourage seed corporations and state bodies to utilize these categories for cost-effective procurement of quality seeds," she said, underscoring the role of GeM in simplifying and broadening access to essential resources in India’s agricultural landscape.