Overview
- The draft law would replace the 1966 Seeds Act to modernize quality control and oversight across the seed supply chain.
- Penalties for selling fake or substandard seeds would rise to fines of up to Rs 30 lakh, with imprisonment of up to three years for deliberate offences.
- All seed companies, dealers and producers would be required to register so that only authorized entities can sell seeds.
- Every seed packet would carry a QR code enabling farmers to trace origin, suppliers and points of sale to quickly identify and hold offenders accountable.
- The minister said farmers’ customary practices remain protected, and foreign seed varieties would be permitted only after thorough testing with ICAR and KVKs supporting implementation alongside states.