Source: News on Air
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Context:
On 1 March 2026, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, announced two major agricultural reforms in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:
- New Seed Act 2026
- Revised Pesticide Act 2026
These reforms aim to modernize India’s agricultural regulatory system, improve input quality, and protect farmers from substandard seeds and pesticides.
New Seed Act 2026
Objective
The New Seed Act 2026 seeks to improve transparency, quality control, and accountability in the seed sector.
Key Provisions
1. Mandatory Registration
- All seed companies must register with regulatory authorities before selling seeds in India.
- This ensures traceability and quality assurance.
2. QR Code-Based Transparency
- Seed packets will carry unique QR codes.
- Farmers can scan them to access information such as:
- Seed variety
- Origin
- Quality certification
- Producer details
3. Stronger Penalties
- Maximum penalty increased to ₹30 lakh.
- Imprisonment may also be imposed for deliberate offences such as selling fake or substandard seeds.
Revised Pesticide Act 2026
Objective
The Revised Pesticide Act 2026 aims to modernize pesticide regulation and improve environmental and farmer safety.
Replacement of Old Law
The new law will replace the Insecticides Act, 1968, which has governed pesticide regulation in India for decades.
Key Goals
- Strengthen quality control of pesticides
- Prevent sale of spurious or harmful chemicals
- Ensure safe usage of pesticides
- Align regulations with modern agricultural practices and international standards
Significance of the Reforms
1. Farmer Protection
The laws aim to protect farmers from fake seeds and substandard pesticides, which often cause crop losses.
2. Improved Agricultural Productivity
Better quality inputs can lead to higher yields and improved farm incomes.
3. Digital Transparency
The introduction of QR code tracking for seeds enhances transparency and accountability.
4. Modern Regulatory Framework
Replacing outdated laws helps align India’s agriculture with modern technology and global standards.
