Advanta Seeds, a global powerhouse in seed technology, including its renowned brands Alta and Pacific Seeds, has been instrumental in propelling Bangladesh’s remarkable growth in maize production over the past two decades.
With a presence in 84 countries worldwide, Advanta Seeds has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape. Since the mid-90s, when commercial maize farming took root in the country, Bangladesh has witnessed an extraordinary surge in maize output, soaring from a mere 65,000 tons in 1997-98 to an impressive six million tons today. This phenomenal success owes much to the Bangladesh government’s proactive policies supporting hybrid maize adoption and a collaborative initiative led by Brac, which provided farmers with high-yielding hybrid maize seeds developed by Advanta.
Notably, nearly all of Bangladesh’s maize cultivation is now dominated by hybrids, a testament to the efficacy and popularity of Advanta’s seed technologies.
Operating in Bangladesh under the banner of RiceCo International Bangladesh Ltd., Dr. ABM Ziaur Rahman serves as the Country Manager, spearheading Advanta’s initiatives in the region.
Beyond maize, Advanta is making significant strides in Bangladesh’s burgeoning vegetable crop market, valued at $28 million in FY 2020-21 and projected to grow at a robust 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $45 million by FY 2025-26. Advanta’s offerings span a wide range of vegetables, including okra, hot pepper, tomato, and gourds, with its virus-resistant okra variety serving as a lifeline for farmers, averting substantial crop losses.
Under the Pacific Seeds brand, Advanta has introduced a new generation of high-performance maize hybrids characterized by superior shelling percentage and robust test weight. These innovative products have positioned Advanta as a frontrunner in the maize market, catering to the evolving needs of Bangladesh’s expanding poultry industry.
Moreover, Advanta’s contributions extend beyond maize, with the introduction of rice seeds boasting high yields and resistance to pests and diseases. The company’s forage seeds have garnered widespread acclaim among dairy farmers, commanding a substantial 30% market share by providing superior yield volume, quality milk, and cost efficiency.
As Bangladesh continues its trajectory of agricultural transformation, Advanta Seeds remains at the forefront, driving innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the nation’s farming communities.
