PAGREXCO and Cropin develop india’s first QR-enabled potato seed certification platform
To address seed authenticity concerns and safeguard Punjab’s reputation as a premier seed potato producer, PAGREXCO, in collaboration with Cropin, launched a pioneering digital seed certification and traceability system. This solution empowers farmers, strengthens brand credibility, and ensures premium-quality seeds through a transparent, tech-enabled value chain.
Client background
PAGREXCO (Punjab Agri Export Corporation), under the Department of Horticulture, promotes agricultural exports from Punjab and supports farmers through value chain development. The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Punjab State Seed Certification Authority, CPRI, and other stakeholders to improve seed quality and branding.
The challenge
Punjab contributes a significant share of India’s seed potato supply. However:
- Only <1% of potato farmland was certified
- Counterfeit and low-quality seeds damaged brand trust
- No traceability system to verify seed origin or quality
- Lack of digital oversight in seed breeding and certification
- Farmers missed out on premium pricing due to poor visibility and brand dilution
A robust digital intervention was needed to certify, monitor, and authenticate seed production across the supply chain.
The solution
Cropin implemented a QR code-based traceability platform to digitize every step of seed potato production:
- Geo-tagging of farm plots for full traceability to origin
- Unique QR-coded seed packets that buyers can scan to verify seed certification
- Integrated support from CPRI and the Horticulture Department for agronomic best practices
- Real-time alerts, advisories, and weather updates for farmers
- End-to-end monitoring of seed production, harvesting, and storage
- Certification and branding through the Five Rivers identity for premium market access
The system ensured transparency, helped prevent seed mixing, and protected farmers from counterfeit competition.
Impact
- Created India’s first QR-enabled seed traceability solution
- Digitally empowered Punjab’s seed potato value chain
- Improved buyer confidence and seed market reputation
- Provided real-time crop support to registered farmers
- Enabled PAGREXCO to meet national and export-quality standards
- Helped Punjab farmers secure premium pricing and build their own brand
This initiative serves as a model for state-led agri-digitalization and seed certification at scale.
