Centre releases draft Seeds Bill; farm outfits cautious, industry welcomes it, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• The Union government released the draft Seeds Bill, 2025, aiming to replace the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.
• The bill seeks to regulate seed quality, ensure access to high-quality seeds at affordable rates, protect farmers from losses, and liberalize seed imports.
• The draft proposes to decriminalize minor offenses to promote Ease of Doing Business while penalizing serious violations.
• Stakeholders can submit comments and suggestions on the draft until December 11.
• Seed dealers must obtain a registration certificate from the State government.

Detailed Insights:

• The Seeds Bill, 2025 is the third attempt to pass such a law, with previous efforts in 2004 and 2019 failing due to resistance from farmer organizations.
• The bill aims to ensure seed varieties meet the minimum standards for germination, genetic purity, physical purity, traits, seed health, and other standards specified in the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards.
• Farmer organizations are cautious, expressing concerns that the bill may favor seed companies, while the seed industry welcomes the move as a modernization of the seed regulatory framework.
• The bill addresses the need for quality regulation in the seed market, aiming to balance the interests of farmers and the seed industry while promoting access to global varieties.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Seeds Act, 1966: The existing law governing seed quality, production, and distribution in India, which the new bill seeks to replace.
• Ease of Doing Business: A government initiative to create a more favorable regulatory environment for businesses by simplifying processes and reducing compliance burdens.
• Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards: A set of standards specifying the minimum requirements for seed quality, including germination, genetic purity, and physical purity.