Archive · 30 Nov 2025
New Seeds Bill Proposes Higher Penalties and Mandatory Registration
The Indian government has proposed a new Seeds Bill to replace the old one from 1966.
This new bill wants all seed types to be registered, except those grown by farmers or for export.
It also introduces higher penalties for selling fake or unregistered seeds, with fines up to Rs 30 lakh and up to three years in jail.
The bill aims to ensure farmers get good quality seeds at affordable prices and to stop the sale of bad seeds.
The government is asking for public feedback before finalizing the bill.
They plan to introduce it in Parliament during the next Budget Session.
The new Seeds Bill proposes mandatory registration of seed varieties, except for farmers' varieties and those exclusively for export.
Major offences, such as selling spurious or non-registered seeds, will incur penalties of up to Rs 30 lakh and three years' imprisonment.
The bill aims to regulate seed quality for sale and import, ensuring farmers' access to high-quality seeds at affordable rates.
Over 43,000 seed samples were found non-standard in the last three years, with West Bengal accounting for 62% of these cases.
The bill will replace the Seeds Act, 1966, and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, and is aligned with current agricultural and regulatory requirements.
- Who
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India
- What
- Proposed a new Seeds Bill with mandatory registration and higher penalties for offences
- When
- Draft released on November 13, 2025; feedback deadline December 11, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address gaps in the existing Seeds Act, 1966, and regulate seed quality and imports
- Penalty for Major Offences
- Rs 30 lakh and three years' imprisonment
- Non-Standard Seed Samples (2022-25)
- 43,001
- Annual Seed Requirement (2024-25)
- 48.20 lakh tonnes
- Seed Market Value
- Rs 40,000 crore
- Seed Varieties Released (2014-25)
- 3,053
- Public Sector Varieties
- 85%
- Private Sector Varieties
- 15%
