New Seed Act 2026 to Revolutionize India’s Agricultural Landscape
In a significant move to safeguard farmers and enhance the quality of seeds, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unveiled the features of the new Seed Act 2026 at a media briefing. This landmark legislation aims to usher in an era of transparency within the seed industry, ensuring that farmers can access reliable and high-quality seeds.
Announcing the introduction of a nationwide seed traceability system, Chouhan emphasized the importance of transparency in the agricultural sector. “Farmers will now know the complete story of every seed,” he stated, outlining how each seed packet will be equipped with a QR code. Scanning the code will provide farmers with crucial details about the seed’s origin, including the production location and the dealer who supplied it, ultimately curbing the sale of fake and substandard seeds.
Ensuring High-Quality Seeds through Stringent Regulations
Chouhan assured that once the traceability system is in place, the identification of inferior seeds will be swift. “Substandard seeds will not enter the system at all,” he explained, highlighting that a penalty would be imposed on those who attempt to distribute inferior quality seeds. This strict regulation aims to eradicate misleading practices that have often harmed farmers.
The new law mandates that every seed company must be registered, thereby clarifying which entities are authorized to operate within the market. Chouhan mentioned that the names of these registered companies will be publicly available to prevent unauthorized sellers from distributing seeds, ensuring that farmers receive products only from credible sources.
A Commitment to Traditional Seeds
Addressing concerns about potential restrictions on traditional seeds, the Minister reassured that farmers will still have the freedom to sow and share their own seeds without any hindrance. Chouhan noted that traditional seed exchange practices will continue unimpeded, preserving a crucial aspect of rural culture.
Under the new legislation, penalties for selling substandard seeds have been considerably heightened. Chouhan revealed that fines could go up to ₹30 lakh, along with provisions for imprisonment in severe cases. This zero-tolerance policy toward negligence aims to protect farmers from malicious actors in the seed industry.
Strengthening Domestic Seed Production
The act also aims to bolster Indian agricultural institutions and domestic seed companies while ensuring that imported seeds undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. Chouhan highlighted that the law supports a three-tier system that includes public sector universities and private players, promoting high-quality seed availability to farmers.
Awareness Campaign to Educate Farmers
To bridge the knowledge gap among farmers, the government will launch the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,’ with the active participation of the 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country. This initiative aims to educate farmers about seed quality, selection, and grievance mechanisms.
Chouhan stressed the importance of modernizing agricultural laws, pointing out that the existing Seed Act of 1966 did not align with today’s advanced technology and systems. The new law will utilize digital records and accountability measures to ensure fairness in seed transactions.
Collaboration with State Governments
Importantly, Chouhan addressed concerns about state sovereignty, reaffirming that the rights of state governments would be upheld throughout the implementation of the new law. Cooperation between the central and state governments will be essential for successfully bringing these reforms to fruition.
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