Seed-law proposal combines QR traceability with a faster compensation route
The consultation-stage proposal would introduce QR-based traceability, stronger action against substandard seed and a state compensation route.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has consulted about 20 farmer organisations on a proposed law to replace the Seed Act of 1966.
PIB says roughly 70% of seeds now fall outside the existing law. The proposal would require registration and QR-based traceability for regulated seed, strengthen penalties for fake or substandard products, preserve farmers' ability to use and exchange traditional varieties and create state seed-security funds with a proposed 15-day compensation route.
Why it matters
Seed quality and redress affect farm yields, input losses, market trust and the accountability of breeders and suppliers.
SCULTRA point of view
Stronger enforcement could improve farmer protection, but the final law must make testing standards, liability, appeals, privacy, compliance costs and compensation funding operationally clear.
Limitations
This is a consultation-stage proposal without a fixed enactment deadline. The detailed legal text, offence thresholds and implementation rules must be checked when a bill or notification is issued.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 10 September 2026, 8:55 PM IST.