Overview
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government will bring a stringent seed law in the Budget session early next year to crack down on counterfeit seeds and pesticides.
- He inaugurated the National FPO Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, which drew more than 500 participants from 24 states and 140 districts.
- An exhibition featured 267 FPOs showcasing produce and processed goods, alongside sessions on seed production, AGMARK certification, digital marketing, natural farming, and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund.
- Chouhan urged FPOs to expand membership, raise turnover within a year, and pursue value addition and integrated farming to narrow the gap between farmgate and consumer prices.
- He said genetically modified seeds are not permitted, research is underway on improved varieties, and the proposed law will emphasize traceability, certification, and tighter quality control.