Politics · India · 8 hrs ago
India consults seed and fertiliser firms on easing regulations
India's government has begun consulting seed, fertiliser and export businesses about rules they say make it harder to operate.
Niti Aayog officials have met seed industry representatives and previously held discussions with fertiliser companies.
The government is considering changes to rules for seeds and fertilisers, including the Seeds Act of 1966, which companies say has not kept pace with new technology and varieties.
Seed firms say different state testing procedures can delay the launch of new products, while fertiliser makers have raised concerns about approval delays.
Those delays can keep newer technologies from farmers and limit their choices.
Companies may also raise licensing, quality-control and other compliance requirements.
The government is also exploring trade agreements and other ways to diversify and expand agricultural exports; the consultations are intended to identify possible policy and procedural changes.
The government has begun consulting agricultural companies about regulatory hurdles in the seed and fertiliser sectors.
Niti Aayog officials recently met seed industry representatives, after earlier meeting fertiliser industry representatives.
The discussions focus on updating rules, simplifying business operations and reducing compliance burdens.
Companies have raised concerns about delays in approvals and testing that can slow the launch of new products.
The government is also exploring international markets to diversify and expand agricultural exports.
- Who
- The government, including Niti Aayog officials, and representatives of seed, fertiliser and export businesses.
- What
- The government is consulting companies on regulatory hurdles and possible policy and procedural changes.
- When
- The consultations are under way; Niti Aayog officials recently met seed industry representatives.
- Where
- New Delhi is identified as the location of the government consultations.
- Why
- To modernise regulatory frameworks, ease business operations and support agricultural exports.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Government officials met representatives of the fertiliser industry to seek suggestions on policy and procedural changes.
Niti Aayog officials met representatives of the seed industry.
- Seed law
- Seeds Act, 1966
- Consultations
- Seed, fertiliser and export businesses
- Testing and trials
- Procedures and requirements vary by state
- Export policy
- Government is exploring new international markets through trade agreements and other initiatives
What people are saying
Every state has their own procedure and requirements for testing and trials. This causes delay in launch of new products keeping farmers from new technologies.