Draft Seeds Bill 2025 Aims to Curb Spurious Seeds, Protect Farmers

The Centre has unveiled the draft Seeds Bill 2025 to modernise seed regulation, guarantee farmers access to quality seeds at affordable prices, and clamp down on spurious and poor-quality products. The proposal is open for stakeholder comments before it is tabled in Parliament in the coming sessions.

New Law to Replace Outdated Seed Regulations

The draft law is designed to replace the Seeds Act 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order 1983, aligning rules with today’s technology-driven and globally linked seed sector. It sets out a comprehensive framework to regulate seed quality and planting material, from production to sale and import. The agriculture ministry has invited suggestions until 11 December 2025, after which the Bill will be finalised for introduction.

Quality Control, Registration and Farmer Safeguards

The Bill mandates registration of seed dealers, distributors, producers, nurseries, processing units and certification agencies. Central and state seed testing laboratories are to be set up or notified for scientific assessment. All marketed seeds must carry proper labelling and, where applicable, QR codes, with details of variety, source, quality and germination. Farmers retain the freedom to save, use and exchange seed from their own harvest without registration, and they gain a clear right to compensation if a registered seed fails to perform as claimed under specified conditions.

Decriminalising Minor Offences, Retaining Strict Penalties

To support ease of doing business, the draft distinguishes between trivial, minor and major offences. Trivial lapses, such as non-display of registration certificates or label-related errors, first attract only a written notice, followed by a ₹50,000 penalty for repeat violations within three years. Minor offences, including misbranding or overcharging beyond notified prices, carry a ₹1 lakh penalty, rising to ₹2 lakh for subsequent breaches. Major violations — such as supplying spurious seeds, marketing non-registered varieties or operating without registration — invite penalties of ₹10 lakh for the first offence, ₹20 lakh for the second within five years, and ₹30 lakh plus dealership cancellation or imprisonment of up to three years for further breaches.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Draft Seeds Bill 2025 will replace the Seeds Act 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order 1983.
• Stakeholders have been asked to submit comments on the draft by 11 December 2025.
• Penalty slabs range from a written notice for trivial lapses to ₹30 lakh and up to three years’ imprisonment for major repeat offences.
• “Spurious seed” is defined as seed not true to type or traits, or failing to meet minimum genetic purity standards.

Industry Oversight, Innovation and Dispute Resolution

The Bill strengthens institutional oversight through a Central Seed Committee and a Registration Sub-Committee, with options for further technical sub-committees on certification. It liberalises seed imports under regulated conditions to promote innovation and access to superior global varieties, while emphasising environmental and biosafety norms for genetically modified seeds. Companies must maintain transparent records and face regular audits, and seed inspectors alone can trigger prosecutions, reducing frivolous litigation. Faster, structured mechanisms are envisaged for resolving farmer–seed company disputes, reinforcing accountability across the seed supply chain.