Context:
The Government of India is preparing to amend the Seed Act to tackle the rising issue of spurious and low-quality seeds, which has significantly impacted crop yields and farmer incomes across the country.
Key Highlights
- Announcement by Minister: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed the move on Wednesday.
- Timeline for Introduction: A senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the government aims to introduce the revised Seed Bill in the Winter Session of Parliament, which typically begins in late November.
- Objective: The amendment is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, ensure seed quality, and protect farmers from economic losses due to counterfeit seeds.
- Background: Spurious seeds have been a persistent challenge in Indian agriculture, especially in high-stake crops like cotton, pulses, and vegetables. Despite existing regulations, enforcement gaps have allowed counterfeit seed circulation to grow.
Expected Features of the Amended Seed Act
- Stricter penalties for companies and individuals selling fake or substandard seeds.
- Mandatory registration and quality certification for all seed varieties.
- Enhanced inspection mechanisms and seed traceability systems.
- Better grievance redressal framework for farmers affected by spurious seeds.
