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| Seed Act 2026 |
A new proposed Seeds Act aims to make the seed market more transparent, strengthen accountability and protect farmers from fake and poor-quality seeds.
For a farmer, the journey of a crop begins with one critical decision "the choice of seed". Even the best farming practices can fail if the seed is fake, defective or of poor quality.
Recognising this concern, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has outlined key features of the proposed Seeds Act 2026, aimed at improving seed quality, traceability and accountability across the country.
QR Code on Every Seed Packet
One of the most important proposed changes is the introduction of a nationwide seed traceability system.
Under the proposed system, seed packets would carry a QR code. Farmers could scan the code to obtain important information about the seed, including its origin, producer, supplier and seller.
This could make it easier to identify the source of poor-quality or counterfeit seeds and take action against those responsible.
For farmers, this means greater transparency at the point of purchase.
Mandatory Registration of Seed Companies
The proposed law also seeks to make registration of seed companies mandatory.
Unauthorised sellers would not be permitted to operate, while details of registered companies would be available for verification.
Such a system could help reduce the circulation of fake and substandard seeds and make it easier for farmers to identify legitimate suppliers.
What About Traditional Seeds?
An important aspect of the proposed legislation is its approach to traditional seeds.
According to the government's explanation, farmers would continue to have the freedom to use their own traditional seeds and exchange or share them with other farmers.
This is particularly important for farming communities that preserve locally adapted varieties through generations.
Tougher Penalties Proposed
The proposed legislation also focuses on accountability.
Knowingly producing or selling substandard seeds could attract up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹30 lakh, according to the proposed provisions outlined by the Agriculture Minister.
The objective is not simply to punish violations but also to discourage practices that can cause serious financial losses to farmers.
Role of ICAR, Universities and KVKs
The proposed framework also gives importance to public agricultural institutions, including ICAR, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
The government has said that all 731 KVKs will help create awareness among farmers about seed quality, selection and complaint redressal.
Imported seeds would also be subject to testing and evaluation before approval.
Why Seed Traceability Matters
Seed quality problems can have consequences far beyond the price paid for a packet.
A poor-quality seed can mean:
- Poor germination
- Lower crop productivity
- Higher cultivation costs
- Loss of valuable farming time
- Reduced farm income
A traceability system could therefore provide farmers with an additional layer of protection.
A New Digital Approach to Seed Regulation
The existing Seeds Act, 1966 is being described by the government as outdated in view of today's agricultural and technological environment.
The proposed Seeds Act 2026 seeks to introduce a more modern system based on digital records, traceability and accountability.
At the same time, agriculture remains a state subject, and the proposed framework is expected to work through coordination between the Centre and state governments.
What Does It Mean for Farmers?
The real test of the proposed law will be its implementation.
QR codes and digital records can improve transparency, but farmers will also need easy access to information, reliable testing facilities, effective grievance redressal and quick action against violations.
If implemented effectively, the proposed Seeds Act 2026 could help create a seed system where farmers know what they are buying, where it came from and who is responsible for it.
For Indian agriculture, that could be an important step towards improving trust in the seed market.
Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
FAQ
What is the proposed Seeds Act 2026? It is a modern legislative framework designed to replace the outdated 1966 Act, focusing on transparency, seed traceability, and accountability to protect farmers from poor-quality or counterfeit seeds.
How will QR codes help farmers? Every seed packet will feature a QR code that farmers can scan to instantly verify the seed's origin, producer, supplier, and seller details.
Can farmers still use and share traditional seeds? Yes, farmers retain full freedom to use their own traditional seeds and freely exchange or share them with one another.
What are the penalties for selling substandard seeds? Knowingly producing or selling substandard seeds can result in up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹30 lakh.