New Delhi, January 16, 2026 — Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today briefed the media on the proposed Seed Act 2026, describing it as a historic reform aimed at protecting farmers’ interests, ensuring seed quality, and introducing transparency and accountability across India’s seed ecosystem.
The Minister emphasised that the new law is designed to eliminate fake and substandard seeds, strengthen farmers’ rights, and modernise the outdated Seed Act of 1966 in line with today’s technological realities.
Nationwide Seed Traceability System to Empower Farmers
Shri Chouhan announced that a comprehensive seed traceability system will be introduced across the country. Every seed packet will carry a QR code, enabling farmers to access complete information about:
-
Where the seed was produced
-
Which company supplied it
-
Which dealer sold it
“Farmers will now know the complete story of every seed,” the Minister said, adding that this digital transparency will help instantly identify fake or poor-quality seeds and ensure swift action against offenders.
Mandatory Registration of Seed Companies
To curb unauthorised operations, the new law will make registration of all seed companies compulsory.
-
Only registered companies will be allowed to sell seeds
-
Unauthorised sellers will be barred from the market
-
Details of registered companies will be publicly available
This move is expected to eliminate fake companies and protect farmers from exploitation.
Strict Action Against Fake and Substandard Seeds
The Minister underlined that the new law adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards seed fraud.
Key proposals include:
-
Penalty up to ₹30 lakh for selling substandard seeds
-
Imprisonment up to three years in cases of deliberate wrongdoing
-
Strong enforcement mechanisms to prevent entry of inferior seeds into the system
“Earlier the maximum penalty was only ₹500. Now we are proposing strong punishment so that farmers get real justice,” Shri Chouhan said.
Traditional Seed Systems to Remain Fully Protected
Addressing concerns raised by some stakeholders, the Minister clarified that the new Seed Act will not restrict traditional seed practices.
Farmers will continue to:
-
Save their own seeds
-
Exchange seeds locally
-
Follow customary community seed-sharing practices
“The traditional system of seed exchange will continue without any interference,” he assured.
Strengthening ICAR, KVKs and Domestic Seed Ecosystem
Shri Chouhan highlighted that the law strengthens the role of:
-
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
-
Agricultural universities
-
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
-
Credible domestic seed companies
Imported seeds will be allowed only after rigorous scientific evaluation and testing, ensuring protection of Indian agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods.
Awareness Campaigns to Educate Farmers
Recognising the importance of awareness, the Minister said initiatives such as Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan are already underway.
All 731 KVKs across the country will actively educate farmers on:
-
Seed quality
-
Proper selection
-
Use of traceability tools
-
Grievance redressal mechanisms
This grassroots outreach aims to ensure farmers fully benefit from the new law.
Modernising the Outdated 1966 Seed Law
Shri Chouhan noted that the existing Seed Act of 1966 was framed in a time without:
-
Digital systems
-
Traceability tools
-
Advanced data monitoring
The Seed Act 2026 is designed to reflect modern realities by embedding:
-
Digital accountability
-
Transparency
-
Real-time monitoring
-
Strong legal deterrence
States’ Rights to Remain Intact
Reassuring federal concerns, the Minister clarified that:
-
Agriculture will remain a State subject
-
States’ powers will not be diluted
-
Implementation will happen through Centre–State cooperation
Conclusion
The proposed Seed Act 2026 marks a transformative shift in India’s agricultural governance. By introducing traceability, mandatory registration, strict penalties and digital transparency, the law aims to protect farmers from fraud, ensure access to quality seeds, and strengthen trust in the agricultural ecosystem. As Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded, the goal is simple yet powerful: “The right seed for every farmer, and justice for every wrongdoing.”
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
