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Seed Quality Curbs Under Seeds Act Framework
The Government recently informed the Rajya Sabha about measures undertaken to regulate seed quality and curb the sale of spurious seeds. The measures focus on enforcement, digital traceability, and protection of farmers’ and traditional seed varieties.
Seed Quality Regulation & Allied Provisions:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Core Aim | Provides for regulation of seed quality, prevention of spurious seeds, and protection of farmers’ rights and traditional varieties |
| Authority | State Governments can appoint Seed Inspectors to inspect outlets and draw samples |
| Measures | Provides for cancellation of licences, seizure of stocks, stop-sale orders, and prosecution |
| Digital Traceability Platform | SATHI Portal provides end-to-end digital traceability of seeds across the supply chain |
| Farmers’ Rights | Farmers can save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell farm-saved seeds |
| Traditional Variety Protection | Governed by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 |
| Seed Subsidy Support | Provides seed distribution at 50% cost under National Food Security and Nutrition Mission |
| Production Incentives | Rs. 1000 per quintal for cereals and millets; Rs. 2000 per quintal for pulses and oilseeds |
| Community Seed Banks | Provides one-time assistance of Rs. 50 lakh |
| Intellectual Property Protection | Farmers’ varieties can be registered with IP protection and supported through National Gene Fund up to Rs. 15 lakh |
| Seed Dealer Regulation | Mandatory seed dealer licence under Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 |
| Nursery Regulation | Horticulture nurseries registered and regulated under State Nursery Acts |
| Cotton Seed Price Control | Maximum sale prices fixed under Cotton Seeds Price (Control) Order, 2015 under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 |
| Research & Infrastructure Support | Financial assistance provided to ICAR Institutes, State Agriculture Universities and public sector for seed research |
| Variety Development | More than 3000 seed varieties released since 2014–2025-26, including 2996 climate-resilient varieties |
| Affordable Seed Schemes | Support for breeder seeds, quality seed distribution and free minikits under NFSNM, National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana |