Why in News?

• The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the Draft Seeds Bill 2025 for public comments, aiming to replace the outdated Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.
• The legislation seeks to modernise India's seed sector, ensure farmer protection, improve seed quality, and promote innovation and ease of doing business. 

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background
• Key Features of the Draft Seeds Bill 2025
• Stakeholder Perspectives
• Challenges and Concerns
• Way Forward
• Conclusion

Background:

• India attempted to introduce a new Seeds Bill earlier in 2004 and 2019, but both were withdrawn after farmer protests.
• The 2025 draft seeks to align with evolving agri-technology, global seed markets, and domestic regulatory needs.

Key Features of the Draft Seeds Bill 2025:

• Ensuring quality and affordability of seeds:
  • Regulates sale, import, export, and distribution of seeds.
  • Mandatory adherence to Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (conforming minimum limit of germination, genetic purity, physical purity, seed health, traits).
• Mandatory registration of seed varieties:
  • All varieties (except farmers’ varieties and varieties produced exclusively for export) must be registered.
  • Existing notified varieties under the 1966 Act will be deemed registered.
  • Aims to ensure traceability and accountability.
• Registration of dealers and distributors: Every dealer/distributor must obtain a State government registration certificate before any seed-related business activity.
• Liberalised seed imports:
  • The Central Government may permit import of unregistered varieties for research and trials under regulated conditions.
  • Intended to promote innovation and access to global germplasm.
• Decriminalisation of minor offences: Minor and trivial offences are to be decriminalised to enhance Ease of Doing Business.
• Strict penal provisions for major offences:
  • Categories: Trivial, Minor, Major offences.
  • Major offences: Include sale of spurious seeds, sale of non-registered varieties, operating without registration, etc.
  • Penalties: Up to Rs 30 lakh fine, imprisonment up to 3 years.
• Institutional mechanisms: Establishment of Central and State Seeds Committees for policy coordination, regulation, and oversight.
• Farmers’ rights:
  • Ensures protection from poor-quality seeds.
  • Farmers retain the right to save, use, exchange and sell their own varieties (not branded seeds).

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• Farmer organisations:
  • Express apprehension that the Bill is "pro-corporate" and may favour multinational seed companies.
  • Past Bills were withdrawn due to farmer protests; similar resistance expected.
  • Concerns about potential restrictions on farmers’ autonomy and increased corporate control.
• Seed industry associations:
  • Welcome the Bill as a step towards modernisation, innovation, and improved regulatory clarity.
  • Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) appreciates recognition of research-based companies and streamlined procedures.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Farmer distrust and fear of corporate control: Historical resistance due to perceived dilution of farmers’ rights. Fear of monopolisation by private seed companies.
• Balancing regulation with innovation: Mandatory registration may increase compliance costs for smaller producers. Risk of stifling indigenous seed diversity.
• Implementation capacity: Ensuring uniform enforcement of quality standards across States. Need for adequate testing labs, certification agencies, and monitoring systems.
• Trade-off between decriminalisation and accountability: Decriminalising minor offences must not compromise farmer protection.
• Legal and federal challenges: State–Centre coordination is essential as agriculture is a State subject, while seed regulation falls under central domain.

Way Forward:

• Transparent and inclusive consultations: Incorporate feedback from farmer unions, seed companies, scientists, and civil society to ensure balanced legislation.
• Strengthening testing and certification infrastructure: Expand accredited seed labs and certification bodies across States.
• Protecting farmers' traditional rights: Clear provisions safeguarding saving, exchanging, and selling of farmers’ varieties. Avoid over-regulation of small traditional seed producers.
• Promote public sector seed research: Increase investment in ICAR and State Agricultural Universities to compete with private seed R&D.
• Awareness and capacity building: Educate farmers about registration, certification and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Conclusion:

• The Draft Seeds Bill 2025 represents a major attempt to modernise India’s seed regulatory framework by ensuring quality, traceability, and accountability.
• While it aims to protect farmers and promote innovation, its success will depend on transparent stakeholder consultations, balancing farmers' rights with industry interests, and establishing robust implementation mechanisms.