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What happened
On November 12, 2025, the Union Agriculture Ministry unveiled a draft Seeds Bill aimed at reforming the Seeds Act of 1966. This Bill intends to enhance seed quality and reduce compliance burdens for businesses. It proposes the establishment of Central and State seed committees to oversee seed production and distribution. However, farmers' groups, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, have raised concerns that the Bill may lead to increased cultivation costs and corporate control over seed pricing. They argue that it could undermine farmers' rights and seed sovereignty. The Bill also outlines penalties for violations, ranging from fines to imprisonment. The government is seeking public feedback until December 11, 2025, as it aims to modernize India's seed regulatory framework.
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Key insights
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1
Regulatory Framework Changes
The Bill introduces a new regulatory mechanism for seed quality and distribution.
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2
Farmers' Rights Concerns
Farmers fear the Bill may increase costs and limit their rights.
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3
Penalties for Violations
The Bill outlines significant penalties for non-compliance, ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Takeaways
The draft Seeds Bill represents a significant shift in India's seed regulation, aiming to modernize the industry while raising concerns among farmers about potential negative impacts on their rights and costs.