Govt targets to present Seeds Bill in Parliament during Budget session; 9,000 suggestions received: Agri Secretary

India's agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy and a source of livelihood for millions, is constantly evolving. A crucial element underpinning this evolution is the quality and availability of seeds. The government's plan to introduce the 'Seeds Bill 2025' in Parliament during the upcoming Budget session marks a significant step towards modernizing the regulatory framework for this vital input. This new legislation aims to replace the half-century-old 'Seeds Act of 1966', reflecting the dramatic shifts in agricultural practices, technology, and market dynamics over the past five decades.

**Background Context and What Happened:** The existing Seeds Act of 1966 was formulated in an era vastly different from today. Its primary focus was on regulating seed quality through voluntary registration and certification, largely to support the Green Revolution's push for high-yielding varieties. However, with advancements in biotechnology, the emergence of a vibrant private seed sector, increasing concerns about climate resilience, and the need for greater accountability, the 1966 Act proved inadequate. It lacked comprehensive provisions for traceability, intellectual property rights, and robust mechanisms to address farmer grievances effectively. The proposed 'Seeds Bill 2025' seeks to address these gaps by introducing mandatory registration of seed varieties, a move aimed at ensuring seed quality and traceability from production to distribution. This mandatory registration will cover all seed varieties sold in the market, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within the seed supply chain. Crucially, the Bill explicitly safeguards the farmers' traditional right to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell their farm-saved seeds, a provision that has been a point of contention in previous iterations of seed bills.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** The primary stakeholders in this legislative exercise are diverse. **Farmers** are at the forefront, as the Bill directly impacts their access to quality seeds and their traditional rights. Their feedback, including the reported 9,000 suggestions, highlights their deep engagement. **Seed companies**, both domestic and international, constitute another major group. They are keen on a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, protects their investments in research and development, and ensures a level playing field. The **Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare** is the nodal government agency spearheading this initiative, balancing the interests of all parties while aiming for national food security. **Agricultural scientists and research institutions** play a role in developing new seed varieties and would be impacted by registration requirements. Lastly, **consumers** are indirect beneficiaries, as improved seed quality ultimately contributes to better crop yields and food availability.

**Why This Matters for India:** The 'Seeds Bill 2025' holds immense significance for India. Economically, it can boost agricultural productivity by ensuring farmers have access to high-quality, disease-free seeds suited for local conditions, thereby enhancing their income. It also provides a clearer regulatory framework for the burgeoning Indian seed industry, which is vital for attracting investment and fostering innovation. Socially, by protecting farmers' rights to save and exchange seeds, it upholds traditional agricultural practices and safeguards the livelihoods of marginal farmers. Politically, a robust seed law is critical for national food security, a key policy objective for any government. It aligns with India's commitments under various international agreements, including the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), while also ensuring farmer protection as enshrined in the Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PVFR Act) 2001.

**Historical Context:** Attempts to replace the 1966 Act are not new. The 'Seeds Bill 2004' was introduced but lapsed due to political changes and farmer protests over provisions that were perceived to infringe upon their traditional seed-saving rights. A revised 'Seeds Bill 2019' was also introduced, which again faced scrutiny for certain clauses related to farmer compensation and compulsory registration. The current 'Seeds Bill 2025' is thus the latest effort, aiming to incorporate lessons from previous attempts and build consensus among stakeholders.

**Future Implications:** If enacted, the Bill is expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to the seed sector. Mandatory registration could lead to better quality control, reducing the sale of spurious seeds that currently plague some regions. This would empower farmers with reliable information about seed performance and origin. However, implementation challenges, such as the capacity for widespread registration and enforcement, will need to be addressed. The balance between protecting breeders' rights and farmers' traditional rights will remain a critical aspect of its success. A well-implemented law could significantly contribute to India's goal of becoming a global agricultural powerhouse, enhancing both domestic food production and agricultural exports.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:** Agriculture primarily falls under the **State List (Entry 14 of List II, Seventh Schedule)** of the Indian Constitution. However, the Union Parliament can legislate on aspects related to agriculture under the **Concurrent List (e.g., Entry 20 - Economic and Social Planning)** or by invoking its power to legislate on matters of national importance. The **Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PVFR Act), 2001**, is a landmark legislation that protects plant breeders' rights and, crucially, farmers' rights concerning new plant varieties. The proposed Seeds Bill will complement the PVFR Act, particularly concerning seed quality and traceability. Furthermore, the principles of **Article 39(a)** (right to an adequate means of livelihood) and **Article 47** (raising the level of nutrition and the standard of living and improving public health) of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) underpin the state's responsibility to ensure food security and improve agricultural welfare, which a robust seed law directly supports. The **National Seed Policy 2002** also provides a framework for seed sector development, which the new Bill aims to operationalize more effectively.