Seeds Bill to curb sale of substandard seeds: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The announcement by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan regarding the upcoming 'Seeds Bill' marks a significant legislative initiative aimed at bolstering India's agricultural sector and safeguarding the interests of its vast farming community. This proposed legislation, expected to be tabled during the Budget Session, seeks to address a critical issue: the rampant sale of substandard seeds, which often leads to devastating crop failures and immense financial losses for farmers.

**Background Context and Historical Perspective:**

Agriculture forms the backbone of the Indian economy, employing a substantial portion of the workforce and contributing significantly to the GDP, albeit with fluctuations. Seeds are the fundamental input for agriculture, directly influencing crop yield, quality, and ultimately, farmer income. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 70s, which transformed India into a food-surplus nation, was largely predicated on the adoption of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, coupled with irrigation and fertilizers. However, over the decades, the seed sector has faced challenges. The existing regulatory framework, primarily the **Seeds Act, 1966**, while foundational, has proven inadequate in addressing the complexities of the modern seed industry, including the proliferation of private players, technological advancements, and the sophisticated methods employed by unscrupulous sellers of spurious seeds. There have been previous attempts to update this law, notably the **Seeds Bill, 2004**, which aimed to regulate the quality of seeds, facilitate the availability of quality seeds, and protect farmers' interests. However, that bill lapsed, highlighting the legislative complexities and the need for a robust, updated framework.

**What Happened and Key Provisions:**

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's announcement signals a renewed push to reform the seed sector. The core objective of the new 'Seeds Bill' is to curb the sale of substandard seeds, thereby protecting farmers from financial ruin and ensuring higher agricultural productivity. A key innovation highlighted is the mandatory use of **QR codes** for seed traceability. This technological intervention is designed to create a transparent supply chain, allowing farmers, regulators, and other stakeholders to track the origin, quality, and other crucial details of seeds from production to sale. This measure aims to enhance accountability among seed producers and distributors, making it easier to identify and penalize those selling fake or poor-quality seeds.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several stakeholders are directly impacted by this legislation. **Farmers** are the primary beneficiaries, as improved seed quality directly translates to better yields, reduced risks, and enhanced income stability. **Seed producers and companies**, both public and private, will need to adapt to stricter quality control measures and implement the QR code system. While this might entail initial compliance costs, it could also foster greater trust in the industry and promote fair competition. The **Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare**, along with various state agricultural departments, will be responsible for drafting, implementing, and enforcing the new regulations. **Agricultural scientists and research institutions** play a crucial role in developing certified, high-quality seeds, which this bill seeks to promote. Ultimately, **consumers** of agricultural produce also stand to benefit from a more stable and high-quality food supply.

**Significance for India and Future Implications:**

This bill holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it directly supports the government's long-standing goal of **doubling farmers' income**, a strategy that relies heavily on enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing input costs and risks. By ensuring access to quality seeds, the bill addresses a critical input factor. Secondly, it contributes to **food security** for India's growing population by stabilizing and improving agricultural output. Thirdly, it promotes **technological adoption** in agriculture, moving towards more modern and transparent practices through the use of QR codes and digital traceability. This aligns with broader e-governance initiatives and the Digital India vision. Fourthly, it strengthens the **regulatory framework** for a vital sector, fostering trust and accountability. In the long term, the bill could lead to increased investment in seed research and development, as companies gain confidence in a more regulated and fair market. Challenges in implementation, particularly across diverse agricultural practices and regions, and ensuring proper enforcement mechanisms, will be crucial. The success of this bill will hinge on its effective implementation, robust penalty provisions for non-compliance, and widespread awareness among farmers.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, and Policies:**

Agriculture is predominantly a **State subject** under **Entry 14 of List II (State List)** of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. However, the Union Parliament can legislate on aspects related to 'trade and commerce in, and the production, supply and distribution of, the products of any industry where the control of such industry by the Union is declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest' (Entry 33, List III - Concurrent List, and Entry 52, List I - Union List). Regulation of seed quality and trade can fall under these provisions. The new 'Seeds Bill' will likely amend or replace the existing **Seeds Act, 1966**. It also complements the **Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001**, which grants intellectual property rights to plant breeders and also recognizes the traditional rights of farmers over their varieties and seed saving. This new bill aims to create a more comprehensive ecosystem for quality seed management, aligning with broader policies like the **National Food Security Act, 2013**, by ensuring the availability and accessibility of food through improved agricultural practices.