Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently revealed the key points of the proposed Seed Act 2026. The new act suggests mandatory registration for seed companies and a penalty of up to Rs 30 lakh for selling substandard seeds. This legislative move aims to safeguard farmers, ensure seed quality, and enhance transparency within the system.
Every seed packet under the new act will feature a QR code allowing farmers to access detailed information about its source. This measure aims to curb the circulation of counterfeit or low-quality seeds and facilitate prompt action against offenders. Minister Chouhan emphasized the establishment of a nationwide seed traceability system to track seed origins, dealers, and sellers.
The proposed legislation mandates the registration of all seed companies, distinguishing authorized entities from unauthorized sellers. By ensuring transparency in the seed market, fake companies will be eliminated, guaranteeing that farmers obtain seeds from legitimate sources. Chouhan highlighted that the traceability system will swiftly identify fake or inferior seeds, preventing their entry into the market and holding suppliers accountable.
The Seed Act includes provisions for the public sector, domestic high-quality seed producers, and a robust evaluation process for foreign seeds. Imported seeds will undergo rigorous testing before approval, strengthening public institutions and domestic private sector involvement to deliver quality seeds to farmers. Chouhan reassured that traditional seed usage by farmers, including local seed exchange practices, will not be restricted by the new law.
