Seed Revolution or Rural Squeeze? Centre Set to Unveil Strict Seed Law in Budget Session
Government's tough seed bill sparks nationwide outrage in Budget Session.
The Indian government is set to unveil a stringent new seed law during the upcoming Budget Session, as announced by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This move aims to overhaul the seed industry, imposing stricter regulations on seed production, distribution, and quality control to curb counterfeit seeds and protect farmers from substandard products that have plagued the agriculture sector for years.
According to sources close to the ministry, the proposed legislation will introduce mandatory registration for all seed varieties, heavy penalties for violations—including fines up to ₹10 lakh and imprisonment for up to five years—and empower authorities to conduct surprise raids on seed companies and farms. "This is not just about quality; it's about ensuring every farmer gets genuine, high-yielding seeds that can boost productivity and income," Chouhan stated in a recent press briefing, emphasizing the law's role in supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a self-reliant agrarian economy.
Critics, however, are sounding alarms. Farmer unions argue that the bill could criminalize traditional practices like seed saving and sharing, which have been the backbone of rural India for generations. "Imagine a farmer going to jail for keeping seeds from his own harvest— this is an attack on our sovereignty," said a spokesperson from the All India Kisan Sabha. Environmental groups warn of potential monopolization by big agro-corporations, limiting biodiversity and forcing dependency on patented hybrid seeds.
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The law builds on existing frameworks like the Seeds Act of 1966 but goes further by integrating digital tracking systems for seed supply chains, similar to those used in pharmaceutical regulations. Officials claim this will reduce the influx of fake seeds, estimated to cause annual losses of over ₹30,000 crore to farmers. Pilot programs in states like Punjab and Maharashtra have already shown a 20% drop in spurious seed complaints after initial crackdowns.
