What does the draft Seeds Bill entail?, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Union Agriculture Ministry released the draft Seeds Bill on November 12, inviting public comments until December 11.
• The bill aims to ensure the quality of seeds, promote ease of doing business, and reduce compliance burdens.
• India had a seed surplus of 46.29 lakh quintals in 2023-24, with availability exceeding the requirement.
• The bill defines farmers, dealers, distributors, and producers as separate entities.
• Penalties for violations range from ₹50,000 to ₹30 lakh and up to three years of imprisonment.

Detailed Insights:

• The Seeds Bill seeks to amend the Seeds Act of 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order of 1983 to accommodate technological advancements.
• The bill mandates registration of all seed processing units with state governments, with a provision for a central accreditation system.
• A Central Seed Committee will recommend minimum standards for seed quality, while a State Seed Committee will advise on registration.
• The bill establishes a National Register for seed varieties and details procedures for field trials to assess their value.
• Farmers retain the right to save, use, exchange, share, or sell their farm seeds, unless sold under a brand name.
• Concerns exist that the bill may increase cultivation costs and favor corporate interests over small farmers.
• The bill aims to liberalize seed imports and has tightened quality norms compared to the 2019 draft.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Seeds Bill: A proposed law to regulate the quality, production, and distribution of seeds in India.
• Seed Sovereignty: The right of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell their own seeds.
• Ease of Doing Business: Government initiatives to simplify regulations and promote a favorable business environment.