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Maharashtra Govt to Frame SOP to Curb Sale of Spurious Seeds
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Monday, 05 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step to protect farmers from the growing menace of spurious and fake seeds in the state’s agricultural markets by moving to craft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at curbing their sale and distribution. The move comes after persistent concerns raised by legislators and farming communities about the damage caused by low-quality seeds to crop yields and farm incomes.
According to official sources, the state has constituted a high-level committee tasked with drafting the SOP, which will lay out clear accountability measures for seed companies and distributors, as well as detailed action plans against those involved in the manufacture or sale of fake seeds. The committee is expected to complete the SOP within the next month, after which compliance will become mandatory for seed firms operating in Maharashtra.
The SOP will be part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent agricultural inputs, including spurious fertilisers and pesticides, which have long been a concern for farmers who often suffer crop losses due to inferior products. In related developments at the national level, the Centre is also preparing stringent legislation to tackle fake seeds and agricultural chemicals, proposing tougher penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment for offenders.
State Governor Acharya Devvrat has also urged agricultural universities to focus on improving traditional and indigenous seed varieties and to promote research in natural farming practices that can provide durable, climate-resistant options for farmers. This appeal highlights a dual approach of regulation and innovation to safeguard farmer interests.
The move has been welcomed by many in the farming community, who believe that stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms will help reduce financial losses caused by counterfeit seeds, boost crop productivity, and ensure that quality agricultural inputs reach genuine farmers.
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