By BK Jha
India’s agriculture sector is on the cusp of a decisive regulatory shift. With the proposed Seed Act 2026, the Union government has signalled zero tolerance for fake, substandard and unaccountable seed practices—an issue that has long eroded farmer confidence and productivity. The new law, if implemented as outlined, could fundamentally alter how seeds are produced, sold and tracked across the country.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the Bill as a “historic step” focused on farmer protection, seed quality and transparency. His message was unambiguous: the era of anonymous, untraceable and poor-quality seeds is coming to an end.
From Blind Trust to Full Traceability
At the heart of the proposed legislation lies a nationwide seed traceability system. Every packet of seed sold in India will carry a QR code, enabling farmers to instantly access its entire journey—where it was produced, who supplied it, and which dealer sold it.
This digital trail is designed to ensure accountability across the value chain. Once traceability is operational, fake or inferior seeds will be identified swiftly, and responsibility can be fixed without delay. In a sector where farmers often discover fraud only after crop failure, this marks a structural shift from reactive redressal to preventive regulation.
Mandatory Registration and Market Discipline
Another cornerstone of the Seed Act 2026 is compulsory registration of all seed companies. Only authorised, registered entities will be permitted to sell seeds. Unregistered vendors—often the weakest link enabling spurious products—will be pushed out of the system altogether.
For the first time, farmers will have access to verified information on authorised companies, creating a cleaner and more reliable seed marketplace.
Tough Penalties: A Strong Deterrent
Perhaps the most striking departure from the past is the proposed penalty framework. Under the existing law, fines were capped at a token ₹500. The new Bill proposes penalties of up to ₹30 lakh, along with imprisonment of up to three years for wilful and repeated offences.
The intent is clear: honest companies have nothing to fear, but those who deliberately cheat farmers will face severe consequences. This shift reflects a recognition that weak penalties have historically emboldened malpractice.
Traditional Seeds Remain Untouched
Importantly, the government has sought to dispel fears that the new law would interfere with traditional farming practices. Farmers will continue to save, exchange and share seeds at the local level—customs deeply embedded in rural India. The Act targets commercial exploitation, not community traditions.
Strengthening Indian Institutions and Domestic Industry
The Seed Act 2026 adopts a balanced approach by strengthening public institutions such as ICAR, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, while also supporting high-quality domestic seed companies. Imported seeds will undergo strict scientific evaluation before approval, ensuring that foreign products do not compromise Indian agro-ecological needs.
Awareness as the Final Link
Regulation alone is not enough. Acknowledging gaps in farmer awareness, the government plans nationwide outreach through initiatives such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. All 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras will play a frontline role in educating farmers on seed quality, selection and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Modern Law for a Modern Agriculture
Replacing the outdated Seed Act of 1966, the new legislation is built around digital records, data-backed accountability and cooperative federalism. States will retain their constitutional authority over agriculture, with the Centre playing a coordinating role.
The Larger Message
Beyond seeds, the proposed Act sends a broader policy signal: Indian agriculture policy is moving from fragmented oversight to systems-based governance. By ensuring that every farmer knows the “full story” behind the seed he sows, the Seed Act 2026 aims to rebuild trust at the most fundamental level of farming.
If implemented effectively, this reform could prove transformative—not just by punishing wrongdoers, but by restoring confidence, improving yields and reaffirming the farmer’s central place in India’s growth story.
