Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that under the proposed new Seed Act farmers’ rights are fully protected, with no restrictions on traditional and farmers’ seed varieties. He said this while chairing a consultation with leaders of farmer organisations on the proposed new Seed Act from across the country in New Delhi yesterday.

 

Mr Chouhan said that the existing Seed Act was enacted in 1966 and the Seeds Control Order came into force in 1983. He added that the framework is no longer adequate to address emerging challenges such as fake and substandard seeds and gaps in fixing responsibility. The Minister highlighted that around 70 percent of seeds currently fall outside the existing Seed Act and seed-related procedures vary across states. 

 

Addressing the concern related to the proposed Seed Act, Mr Chouhan said that farmers will continue to be able to use, exchange and sell traditional and farmers’ varieties of seeds. Registration of traditional seeds will not be mandatory.

 

The proposed legislation provides for registration of all seeds and planting material in a national register. The proposed law will also give state governments greater powers to release new seed varieties suited to local conditions, while national standards will continue to apply.

 

A Seed Security Fund will be established in every state. Penalties and recoveries under the Seed Act will be deposited into these funds. In case of seed failure or loss, a verification committee will ensure compensation to farmers within 15 days. Farmers will also retain the right to seek compensation under the Consumer Protection Act.