Archive · 25 Sep 2025
India Fights Counterfeit Seeds with Digital Traceability
Imagine seeds like tiny packets that help plants grow.
Sometimes, people sell fake seeds that don't work well.
This can be a big problem for farmers.
To fix this, India is using a special system to track seeds from the start to the end.
This helps farmers get good seeds and protects crops like basmati rice.
The government is also changing the rules about seeds to make sure everyone is responsible and can be trusted.
The new system will let farmers scan a code to make sure their seeds are real and good.
Counterfeit seeds are a threat to India's protected crops and farmer income.
The government is implementing digital traceability to track seeds and ensure quality.
The Sathi system tracks seeds from production to sale, with QR codes for verification.
The Seed Act is being amended to include traceability and accountability.
The seed industry is estimated to be worth $6.3 billion, with significant growth expected.
- Who
- The Indian government, farmers, and seed companies.
- What
- Is implementing digital traceability to combat counterfeit seeds and amend the Seed Act.
- When
- The second phase of Sathi is planned to be rolled out soon, with the amended Seed Act bill possibly coming in the winter session of Parliament.
- Where
- Across India, with the initial Sathi system in 23 states and union territories.
- Why
- To prevent crop failure, financial losses, protect the integrity of GI-tagged crops, and improve farmer income.
- Seed Industry Value
- $6.3 billion
- Seed Industry Growth Forecast
- To reach $12.7 billion by 2028 and $20 billion by 2040
- Substandard Seed Samples (2024-25)
- 32,525 out of 2.53 lakh
- Maximum Incidence of Substandard Seeds
- West Bengal (24,460)
- Seed Traceability System
- Sathi (Phase 1 launched April 2023)
- Number of Seed Testing Laboratories
- Around 178