Proposed legislation ensures quality control through digital traceability systems
In a landmark move aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape, the central government has introduced the Draft Seed Bill 2025. This proposed legislation seeks to replace the six-decade-old Seeds Act of 1966, signaling a major shift towards a modern, technology-driven farming ecosystem that could significantly benefit Odisha cultivators and farmers across the nation.
Why the Shift was Necessary
The original 1966 Act was crafted during the early years of the Green Revolution, a time when the public sector dominated seed production to ensure food security in wheat and rice. However, the agricultural reality has changed drastically. Today, the sector is research-intensive and largely driven by private players. The old laws were static, creating regulatory gaps that allowed counterfeit seeds to flood the market—a persistent issue for farmers during the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Key Features: One Nation-One Licence
One of the most significant changes in the Draft Seed Bill 2025 is the introduction of the “One Nation–One Licence” concept. Currently, seed companies face fragmented, state-wise licensing requirements that delay the distribution of high-quality seeds. A unified license will streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and ensure that improved hybrid varieties reach farmers faster.
Digital Traceability and Quality Control
To tackle the menace of fake seeds, the Bill proposes a digital-first approach. It mandates QR code seed tracking and digital registration systems. This allows farmers to verify the authenticity of seed packets instantly using their smartphones, restoring trust in the inputs they buy. Furthermore, the Bill emphasizes "Value for Cultivation and Use" (VCU) testing, ensuring that only varieties with proven scientific benefits enter the market.
Boosting the Rural Economy
To align with the vision of a "Viksit Bharat," the Indian agriculture sector must grow significantly. The Bill aims to support this by encouraging R&D and decriminalizing minor offenses to promote ease of doing business. This is expected to attract more investment into agricultural technology, helping the sector contribute towards a $2 trillion agricultural economy target.
Balancing Rights and Regulation
While the industry has welcomed the move, experts stress the need for alignment with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA). Harmonizing these laws is crucial to ensure that while companies get intellectual property protection, the traditional rights of farmers to save, sow, and exchange seeds remain protected.
As the Bill moves to the rule-making stage, the focus remains on creating a system that is transparent, farmer-centric, and capable of making India a global hub for seed exports.
Source: Rural Voice
