Higher penalty, regulating quality for sale and import – What the new Seeds Bill proposes

These gaps have long prompted the demand for a new law.

A previous attempt was made in 2004, when a Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on December 9. It was referred to a Parliamentary committee on December 17, 2004, but never became law.

How big is the problem of spurious and substandard seeds?

There have been complaints of substandard seeds in the market, repeatedly flagged by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Responding to a question by Congress member Randeep Singh Surjewala on August 8, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur said 43,001 seed samples were found “non-standard” in the last three years (2022-25). West Bengal accounted for 62 per cent (26,603) of such seeds, followed by Tamil Nadu (4,448) and Madhya Pradesh (3,517).

“During the last three years (2022-23 to 2024-25), Centre and States authorities combined tested a total of 5,27,814 fertilizers samples out of which, 28,303 samples were found non-standard. Similarly… 5,97,859 seed samples were tested out of which, 43,001… were found to be non-standard,” the minister said.

States issued 12,287 warnings, 12,915 stop-sale orders, filed 1,914 FIRs/cases, and reported 164 forfeitures over the same period, Thakur said.

How much seed does India require annually?

According to the Agriculture Ministry, annual seed requirement in 2024-25 was estimated at 48.20 lakh tonnes, against the availability of 53.15 lakh tonnes. India’s seeds market is valued at about Rs 40,000 crore.

From May 2014 to August 2025, 3,053 varieties were released — 85 per cent from the public sector and 15 per cent from the private sector.

What are the key provisions of the new Seeds Bill?

The Seeds Bill, 2025 proposes mandatory registration of seed varieties and penalties of Rs 30 lakh and three years’ imprisonment for major offences such as sale of “spurious” and non-registered seeds.

Section 13 states: “On and from the date of commencement of this Act, no seed of any kind or variety except farmers’ variety and kind or variety produced exclusively for export purpose shall… be sold unless such kind or variety is registered…”

Existing varieties notified under Section 5 of the Seeds Act, 1966 will be deemed registered under the new law.

The Bill seeks to regulate the quality of seeds for sale and import and to ensure supply of quality seeds.

According to the ministry, the Bill is “aligned with current agricultural and regulatory requirements” and will replace the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.

“The draft Seeds Bill, 2025 seeks to regulate the quality of seeds and planting materials… ensure farmers’ access to high-quality seeds at affordable rates, curb the sale of spurious… seeds, protect farmers from losses, liberalise seed imports… and safeguard the rights of farmers,” the ministry said.

“On the enforcement side, the draft Bill proposes to decriminalise minor offences… while maintaining strong provisions to penalise serious violations effectively,” it said.

What happens next?

The ministry has invited public comments before finalising the Bill for introduction in Parliament. The deadline for feedback is December 11. After incorporating the feedback, the draft will go to the Union Cabinet for approval.

Once cleared, the Bill can be introduced in Parliament.

At an event on October 30, Chouhan said the government aims to introduce the Seeds Bill and Pesticides Bill during the Budget Session early next year.