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BRS Demands Withdrawal of Draft Seeds Bill, Cites Threat to States and Farmers

K.T. Rama Rao says the proposal shifts seed control to the Centre at the expense of farmer protections.

Overview

  • The party argues the draft centralises seed regulation and removes State authority over quality oversight and price control.
  • Leaders say the text lacks clear curbs on spurious seeds, shifts liability from manufacturers, and omits strong penalties, blacklisting, and assured, time‑bound compensation.
  • BRS warns the draft would permit foreign seed sales without rigorous multi‑location trials, which it says endangers seed security and sovereignty.
  • The party seeks legal safeguards for farmers’ traditional seed‑saving practices and mandatory trials for all new varieties.
  • BRS says it has submitted detailed feedback to the Centre and will hold a round‑table led by S. Niranjan Reddy and B. Vinod Kumar to develop further amendments.