Draft Seeds Bill, 2025

Draft Seeds Bill 2025 proposes a modern seed regulation framework with mandatory registration, digital traceability, and stronger farmer protections.

Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 – Key Features, Need, and Significance

Subject: Government Policies & Interventions (UPSC GS II, Prelims)
Source: PIB

Context:

The Government of India has released the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 for public consultation. The Bill seeks to overhaul India’s outdated seed laws by replacing the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, creating a modern, transparent, and farmer-centric regulatory framework.

What is the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025?

The Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 is a proposed legislation to regulate the quality, testing, registration, certification, sale, and traceability of seeds in India. It aims to protect farmers from poor-quality seeds, promote private innovation, and ensure accountability across the seed supply chain.

Why Was a New Seeds Bill Needed?

Existing laws (1966 and 1983) are outdated due to the rise of hybrids, GM crops, private R&D, and global seed trade.
The earlier 2004 Seeds Bill could not be enacted.
India needs a modern system to address spurious seeds, transparency gaps, quality issues, and digital tracking.

Objectives of the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025

Ensure high-quality and reliable seeds for farmers.
Prevent the sale of spurious or misbranded seeds.
Introduce digital seed traceability through QR codes and a national portal.
Promote private sector R&D while simplifying compliance.
Protect farmers’ rights and strengthen market accountability.

Key Features of the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025

1. Mandatory Registration of All Seed Varieties

Seeds cannot be sold unless registered based on Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials.
Varieties notified under the 1966 Act are deemed registered.
Existing varieties get provisional registration for 3 years.
Registration may be cancelled for poor performance.

2. Strong Protection of Farmers’ Rights

Farmers can save, use, re-sow, exchange and sell their seeds without a brand name.
Farmers are fully exempt from penalties for selling farm-saved seeds.

3. Clear Quality Standards

Government will notify standards for germination, purity, traits, and seed health.
Mandatory labelling and QR codes for full traceability.
Sale of misbranded or sub-standard seeds is prohibited.

4. Registration of All Seed Chain Stakeholders

Seed producers, processors, dealers, nurseries must register with the State.
A Central Accreditation System enables multi-state companies to be “deemed registered.”

5. Strengthened Certification & Testing Ecosystem

More Seed Certification Agencies and accredited bodies.
Upgraded Central and State Seed Testing Laboratories.
Seed Inspectors empowered for sampling, search and seizure.

6. Liberalised but Regulated Seed Imports

Imports must follow quarantine rules and Indian certification standards.
Unregistered varieties allowed only for research or trials with approval.

7. Digital Seed Traceability (SATHI Portal)

All stakeholders must onboard the SATHI Seed Traceability Portal.
Ensures end-to-end tracking, improves transparency, and limits fraud.

8. Graded Penalty System (Farmer-Friendly)

Minor offences: warnings or small penalties.
Moderate offences: up to ₹2 lakh penalty.
Major offences: up to ₹30 lakh + cancellation of registration; imprisonment in rare cases.
Farmers exempt from penalties for selling farm-saved seeds.