The Hindu: Published on 26th November 2025.
Why in News?
The Union Agriculture Ministry released the draft Seeds Bill on November 12 and invited public comments until December 11. The Bill aims to replace the Seeds Act of 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order of 1983, modernising regulations related to seed quality, while also supporting “ease of doing business”. The government states that the Bill strengthens penalties for violations, ensuring the supply of quality seeds to farmers.
What Does the Draft Seeds Bill Entail?
The Bill establishes a regulatory system for importing, producing, marketing, and supplying seeds. It specifically protects farmers’ rights by allowing them to grow, sow, re-sow, save, use, exchange, share, or sell farm seeds. The only restriction is that farmers cannot sell their seeds under a brand name.
The Bill clearly defines separate entities such as farmers, dealers, distributors, and producers, indicating different levels of regulation for each. It mandates registration of seed processing units with State governments. It also proposes a Central Accreditation System to simplify business operations for companies functioning across multiple States.
A National Register of Seed Varieties will be maintained under a Registrar appointed by the Central Seed Committee. The Bill specifies procedures for field trials, focusing on Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) requirements.
Additionally, it mandates the creation of Central and State seed testing laboratories, and empowers seed inspectors with search and seizure powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It introduces strict penalties for violations, which may include fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹30 lakh, and imprisonment up to three years for serious offences.
Why Has the Seed Industry Been Demanding Reform of the 1966 Act?
The seed industry argues that the Seeds Act of 1966 is outdated and does not reflect current realities of biotechnology, hybrid development, genetic modification, or global seed trade. Over the past 60 years, seed production and commerce have evolved into a professional, competitive industry involving both Indian and foreign companies. Industry leaders believe updated legislation will promote innovation, research, quality assurance, and international competitiveness. They see the draft Bill as a timely reform that modernises India’s seed regulatory framework.
What Are the Punishments Under the Bill?
The new draft significantly increases penalties compared to earlier proposals. Violations are categorised as trivial, minor, or major, with penalties ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹30 lakh, and imprisonment up to three years. Seed inspectors will have the authority to search and seize using legal powers granted under BNSS. In the 2019 draft, penalties were much lower, and imprisonment was limited to one year. The new Bill therefore takes a stricter approach to ensure quality and discourage fraud.
Why Are Farmers’ Groups Worried?
Farmer organisations such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and All India Kisan Sabha argue that the Bill increases the risk of corporate monopoly in the seed market. They believe it will raise cultivation costs by allowing companies to fix higher prices. They allege that the regulatory framework is becoming centralised and corporatised, reducing farmer participation and shifting control of seeds to large corporations, including multinational companies.
They fear that the Bill might weaken protections under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFR Act) 2001 and conflict with India’s commitments related to biodiversity and farmers’ rights under global treaties. Farmers are concerned that brand-related restrictions on seed sale could discourage them from selling their own seeds and undermine seed sovereignty.
Roles of Central and State Seed Committees:
Central Seed Committee
The Central Seed Committee will have 27 members.
It will set standards related to germination, seed purity, traits, and health.
It will oversee the National Register of seed varieties and field trials.
It will advise the Union Government on seed policy, import norms, and accreditation mechanisms.
State Seed Committee:
The State Committee will have 15 members.
It will advise State governments on registration of seed producers, processing units, dealers, distributors, and nurseries.
It will implement seed regulations locally, monitor compliance, and support seed testing.
Conclusion:
The Draft Seeds Bill seeks to balance regulation and business flexibility, promising better seed quality and stricter penalties against fraud. While the industry welcomes it for promoting innovation and trade, farmers fear it could cause corporatisation of the seed sector, reduce seed sovereignty, and conflict with existing laws protecting farmers and biodiversity. The success of the Bill will depend on how well it balances farmers’ rights with commercial seed innovation.
