01 September 2026, Hyderabad: Corteva has celebrated the centenary of Pioneer, its flagship seed brand, marking 100 years of seed innovation and more than 54 years of partnership with Indian farmers.
The centenary event in Hyderabad brought together employees, farmers, channel partners and customers to commemorate Pioneer’s journey in India since 1972 and its contribution to the country’s agricultural sector.
The event recognised the role of employees, channel partners and farmers in building the Pioneer brand in India, while highlighting the company’s focus on developing seed technologies and solutions for the future of agriculture.
Founded in 1926 by Henry A. Wallace, Pioneer played a pioneering role in commercialising hybrid corn seed and has since expanded its operations to more than 90 countries. The brand’s centenary marks a century of research, breeding and seed innovation focused on improving farm productivity.
In India, Pioneer has spent more than five decades developing hybrid seed solutions suited to local farming conditions. Its portfolio covers crops including maize, rice, mustard and millets. The company continues to invest in local research, breeding and agronomic expertise, with India also serving as an important part of Corteva’s global innovation network.
Speaking at the event, Yogesh Ramkrishna, a maize farmer from Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, said that Pioneer has been part of his farming journey for two decades and has supported the adoption of improved farming practices and technologies.
According to Ramkrishna, maize yields in his region have increased from around 15 quintals to as much as 50 quintals, with Pioneer contributing to improved productivity and farmer support.
Robert Kaan, Head of APAC and Strategic Initiatives, said Pioneer’s 100-year journey represents a legacy built around innovation and partnerships with farmers, employees and channel partners.
He said the company would continue to focus on seed solutions that are locally relevant, science-led and centred on farmer needs.
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