Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Draft Seed Bill 2025 Sparks Concerns
The Draft Seed Bill 2025 is causing worry among experts and industry groups.
They say it takes away the power of state governments to control seed-related issues.
This could lead to problems like diseases from seeds not tested for local conditions.
The bill also doesn't have a clear way to compensate farmers if their crops fail because of bad seeds.
Some people think the bill makes it easier for seed companies to certify their own products without proper checks.
There are also concerns about accepting seed trials and certifications from other countries, which might not be suitable for India's diverse agriculture.
Industry groups suggest removing problematic elements and improving the ease of doing business.
They also want more focus on horticultural crops and new technologies like gene editing.
Overall, the bill needs more clarity and better protections for farmers and states.
The Draft Seed Bill 2025 is facing criticism for weakening state governments' power to regulate seed-related issues.
Experts are concerned about the lack of a statutory, time-bound compensation mechanism for farmers affected by sub-standard or spurious seeds.
The bill allows for self-certification by seed companies, which could lead to the sale of mislabelled or counterfeit seeds.
Acceptance of foreign trials and certifications is seen as undermining Indian agricultural research institutions.
Industry groups recommend removing problematic elements, improving ease of doing business, and focusing more on horticultural crops and new technologies.
- Who
- Stakeholders, including experts and industry associations
- What
- Concerns over the Draft Seed Bill 2025
- When
- December 9, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address issues related to seed regulation, compensation, and industry structure
- Bill Name
- Draft Seed Bill 2025
- Deadline for Feedback
- December 11, 2025
- Key Concern 1
- Weakening of States' rights to regulate seeds
- Key Concern 2
- Lack of time-bound compensation for farmers
- Key Concern 3
- Self-certification by seed companies
- Key Concern 4
- Acceptance of foreign trials and certifications
- Key Concern 5
- Marginalisation of States and farmers in decision-making
