Source: TH
Context:
The Union Agriculture Ministry released the Draft Seeds Bill (2024) on November 12, inviting public comments until December 11. The Bill seeks to modernise India’s seed regulatory framework, replacing outdated provisions under the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.
The government claims the Bill will ensure quality seeds, promote ease of doing business, and retain stringent penalties for serious violations.
Historical Background
Seed Demand and Surplus
- Seed requirement (2023–24): 462.31 lakh quintals
- Seed availability: 508.60 lakh quintals
- Surplus: 46.29 lakh quintals
Why Reform the 1966 Act?
The seed industry argues the 1966 law is outdated because:
- Major technological advancements have transformed seed development.
- Global and domestic seed trade has evolved significantly.
- New tools like value-for-cultivation trials, genetic purity standards, and biotech traits require updated regulations.
Industry sees this Bill as long overdue modernization, while farmer groups fear corporate capture and loss of seed sovereignty.
Key Provisions of the Draft Seeds Bill
1. Farmers’ Rights Retained
Farmers can:
- Grow
- Sow
- Re-sow
- Save
- Exchange
- Share
- Sell farm-saved seeds
Restriction:
They cannot sell farm seeds under a brand name without meeting regulatory requirements.
2. Clear Definitions
The Bill separately defines:
- Farmer
- Dealer
- Distributor
- Producer
This creates clarity in responsibilities across the seed supply chain.
3. Central and State Seed Committees
Central Seed Committee (27 members)
Functions:
- Recommend minimum standards for:
- Germination
- Genetic purity
- Physical purity
- Trait expression
- Seed health
- Maintain standards for imported and domestic seeds.
- Oversee the National Register of Seed Varieties.
State Seed Committee (15 members)
Functions:
- Advise State governments on:
- Registration of seed producers
- Seed processing units
- Dealers and distributors
- Plant nurseries
- Execute seed laws at the State level.
4. Mandatory Registration
- All seed processing units must be registered with the State Government.
- A Central Accreditation System may be created for companies operating in multiple States to simplify compliance.
5. National Register of Seed Varieties
A new Registrar will:
- Maintain a National Register of seed varieties.
- Oversee Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials to assess performance.
6. Seed Testing Framework
The Bill proposes:
- Central Seed Testing Laboratories
- State Seed Testing Laboratories
These will test seeds for quality parameters as prescribed.
7. Strong Enforcement Mechanism
Seed Inspectors will have powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to:
- Search
- Seize
- Investigate offences related to seed quality
8. Penalties and Punishments
The Bill categorizes offences as:
- Trivial
- Minor
- Major
Punishments include:
- Fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹30 lakh
- Imprisonment up to 3 years
This is significantly stricter than the 2019 draft, which had:
- Fines between ₹25,000 and ₹5 lakh
- Jail term up to 1 year
How the 2024 Draft Differs from 2019 Draft
- Higher penalties for seed violations
- Tighter quality norms
- Closer alignment with PPV&FRA (2001)
- More liberalised approach to seed imports
- Stronger central oversight through committees
Concerns of Farmers’ Groups
1. Higher Cost of Cultivation
Groups like the All India Kisan Sabha argue:
- Greater corporate presence will increase seed prices.
- Farmers may become dependent on private companies.
2. Threat to Seed Sovereignty
They fear:
- Corporate monopolies may dominate seed markets.
- Traditional seed-sharing systems could weaken.
- India’s biodiversity conservation framework may be undermined.
3. Over-Centralisation
The Bill introduces:
- A more centralised regulatory structure, which farmer groups believe:
- Reduces State autonomy
- Weakens farmer-centric protections
4. Potential Conflict with Existing Laws
Farmer groups argue the Bill must align with:
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), 2001
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
They fear the new Bill dilutes these safeguards.
