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Seed Act 2026 to ensure quality seeds, farmer protection & transparency
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Monday, 19 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently outlined the key features of the newly proposed Seed Act 2026, calling it a historic reform for farmers designed to ensure seed quality, transparency and protection for India’s farming community. The Minister highlighted that the modernised law will build a more accountable and farmer-friendly seed system.
A major component of the new Act is the introduction of a nationwide seed traceability system. Under this system, every seed packet will carry a QR code containing full details of its origin, production and distribution chain. According to Chouhan, this will allow farmers to verify where seeds were produced, which dealer supplied them and who sold them, thereby eliminating the circulation of fake or inferior seeds.
The Minister also announced that registration of seed companies will be mandatory, with clear identification of authorised firms and stringent action against unauthorised sellers. This provision aims to remove fake companies from the market and ensure farmers receive seeds only from credible sources.
Chouhan emphasised that traditional seed practices will not be affected. Farmers will continue to freely sow, exchange and share seeds within their communities as before.
Under the new law, penalties for selling substandard seeds have been significantly increased fines may go up to Rs 30 lakh, and offenders could face imprisonment for up to three years, replacing the earlier inadequate maximum penalty of Rs 500.
The Act also includes provisions to strengthen public sector institutions like ICAR, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and to ensure thorough evaluation of imported seeds before approval. Extensive awareness campaigns through 731 KVKs will educate farmers about seed quality and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Chouhan reiterated that while agriculture remains a state subject, the Centre will coordinate with states to implement this modernised Seed Act, ultimately aiming to provide quality seeds, boost productivity and safeguard farmers’ interests nationwide.
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