Draft Seeds Bill 2024: Transforming Seed Quality, Regulation and Farmer Protections

Context

The Union Agriculture Ministry released the draft Seeds Bill on November 12 and invited public comments until December 11.

Key Provisions of the Draft Bill

• The Bill establishes a regulatory mechanism for the import, production and distribution of quality seeds.
• Farmers can grow, sow, resow, save, use, exchange and share seeds, except when selling under a brand name.
• The Bill defines farmers, dealers, distributors and producers as separate entities.
• It proposes a 27-member Central Seed Committee and 15-member State Seed Committees.
• The Central Committee may recommend standards on germination, purity, seed health and traits.
• State Committees may advise on registration of seed producers, processing units, dealers and nurseries.
• All seed processing units must be registered with State governments.
• A Central Accreditation System may be introduced to support ease of doing business.
• The Bill proposes the creation of a Registrar’s office to maintain the National Seed Variety Register.
• It provides for Central and State seed testing laboratories.
• Seed inspectors are given search and seizure powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
• Penalties range from fifty thousand to thirty lakh rupees and imprisonment up to three years.

Changes from the 2019 Draft

• Penalties have been significantly increased compared to the earlier draft.
• Farmers’ rights are now linked to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act.
• Quality standards have been tightened and the approach to seed imports made more liberal.

Concerns Raised by Farmers

• Farmer organisations fear rising cultivation costs due to potential corporate domination.
• There are concerns that multinational and domestic monopolies may weaken seed sovereignty.
• The regulatory system is viewed as overly centralised, risking dilution of farmer protections.
• Farmers demand alignment with safeguards under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act 2001.
• Ensuring compliance with global biodiversity and genetic resource treaties remains essential.

Conclusion

The Draft Seeds Bill 2024 seeks to modernise the regulation of seed quality, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and support ease of doing business. However, the concerns raised by farmer groups highlight the need for a balanced framework that safeguards farmer rights, ensures seed affordability and protects biodiversity.

Source : The Hindu