25 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

EconomyNEWS

New Seed Bill Expected in Second Part of Budget Session

Government plans to introduce the New Seed Bill, aiming for improved seed quality.

The New Seed Bill is expected to be introduced in the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament. This bill aims to address concerns regarding seed quality and enhance the seed replacement rate across the country. A key feature is the mandatory registration of seeds.

The bill also proposes stricter penalties for non-compliance. The expected outcome is an increase in agricultural productivity and improved incomes for farmers. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the development and distribution of high-yielding and disease-resistant seed varieties.

Key Facts

The New Seed Bill is expected to be introduced in the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament.

The bill aims to address concerns related to the quality of seeds.

It proposes mandatory registration of seeds.

It includes stricter penalties for non-compliance.

The bill focuses on improving the overall seed replacement rate in the country.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3 (Economy): Agricultural policies and reforms

Connects to issues of food security, farmer welfare, and sustainable agriculture

Potential questions on the role of technology in agriculture and the importance of seed quality

In Simple Words

The government is planning to bring a new law about seeds. This law will make sure the seeds farmers use are good quality. It also aims to increase the rate at which old seeds are replaced with new, better ones.

India Angle

In India, many farmers struggle with low crop yields due to poor quality seeds. This new law can help improve their harvest and income. It affects every farmer who buys seeds, from small landholders to large agricultural businesses.

For Instance

Think of buying packaged drinking water. You trust the brand to provide clean water. Similarly, this law ensures that the seeds farmers buy are reliable and will grow properly.

Good quality seeds mean better crops, which leads to more food and better income for farmers. This affects everyone because it ensures a stable food supply and a healthy economy.

Better seeds, better crops, better lives.

The New Seed Bill is expected to be introduced in the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament. The bill aims to address concerns related to the quality of seeds and improve the overall seed replacement rate in the country.

It proposes mandatory registration of seeds and stricter penalties for non-compliance, potentially boosting agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. The bill also focuses on promoting the development and distribution of high-yielding and disease-resistant seed varieties.

Expert Analysis

The upcoming New Seed Bill brings into focus several critical aspects of agricultural policy and regulation in India. The Seed Replacement Rate (SRR), which the bill aims to improve, is the percentage of area sown with certified/quality seeds against the total area sown under that crop. A higher SRR generally leads to increased agricultural productivity.

Another key concept is mandatory seed registration. This provision seeks to ensure that only registered and approved seeds are sold and distributed, thereby improving seed quality and preventing the sale of spurious or substandard seeds. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the agricultural system and protecting farmers from losses due to poor-quality seeds.

The bill also proposes stricter penalties for non-compliance. This is intended to act as a deterrent against the sale of unapproved or substandard seeds. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense. Effective enforcement of these penalties is essential for ensuring that seed companies and distributors adhere to the regulations.

Finally, the focus on high-yielding and disease-resistant seed varieties is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing crop losses due to diseases. The development and distribution of such varieties require significant investment in research and development, as well as effective mechanisms for seed production and distribution. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the objectives and provisions of the New Seed Bill, its potential impact on agriculture, and the related concepts of SRR, seed registration, and penalties is crucial for both prelims and mains exams, particularly in the context of agricultural economics and policy.

Visual Insights

Key Statistics Related to the New Seed Bill

Highlights key statistics related to seed requirements, availability, and market size in India, as well as penalties proposed in the new Seed Bill.

Annual Seed Requirement (2024-25): 48.20 lakh tonnes
Seed Availability (2024-25): 53.15 lakh tonnes
Indian Seeds Market Size: Rs 40,000 crore
Penalty for Major Offences (New Seed Bill): Rs 30 lakh & 3 years’ imprisonment

More Information

Background

The agricultural sector in India is heavily reliant on the availability of quality seeds. The existing legal framework, including the Seeds Act of 1966, has been found inadequate to address contemporary challenges related to seed quality, variety development, and seed replacement rates. This necessitates a new comprehensive legislation to regulate the seed sector effectively. Concerns regarding spurious and substandard seeds have been persistent, leading to crop failures and economic losses for farmers. The introduction of the New Seed Bill is aimed at addressing these issues by ensuring mandatory registration and quality control measures. This is expected to enhance farmer confidence and promote the adoption of improved seed varieties. The proposed bill also aligns with the broader goal of increasing agricultural productivity and doubling farmer incomes, a key objective of the government. By promoting the development and distribution of high-yielding and disease-resistant seeds, the bill seeks to contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased emphasis on improving the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) in India to enhance agricultural productivity. Various initiatives, including the distribution of subsidized seeds and the promotion of improved varieties, have been undertaken to achieve this goal. The government has also been focusing on promoting research and development in the seed sector to develop high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties. This includes investments in agricultural universities and research institutions to accelerate the development and dissemination of improved seeds. Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the New Seed Bill is crucial for transforming the seed sector and achieving sustainable agricultural growth. The effective enforcement of the bill's provisions and the promotion of quality seed production and distribution will be key priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the government bringing this New Seed Bill now, given that a Seeds Act already exists?

The existing Seeds Act of 1966 is considered inadequate to address current challenges in the seed sector. Specifically, there are concerns about seed quality, variety development, and the rate at which old seeds are replaced with new ones (Seed Replacement Rate or SRR). The new bill aims to create a more comprehensive framework to regulate these aspects effectively, especially given persistent issues with spurious and substandard seeds causing crop failures and economic losses for farmers.

2. What is the 'Seed Replacement Rate' (SRR), and why is it important for India?

The Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) refers to the percentage of total cropped area that is sown with certified/quality seeds every year. A higher SRR generally leads to increased agricultural productivity because newer seeds are typically higher-yielding and more disease-resistant. India is focusing on improving SRR to boost overall agricultural output and farmer incomes.

3. If UPSC asks about the New Seed Bill, what specific aspect should I focus on to avoid getting tricked?

Focus on the mandatory seed registration aspect. UPSC might create a distractor suggesting that registration is voluntary. Remember, the bill PROPOSES mandatory registration. Also, be aware of the bill's aim to improve the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR). Examiners may try to confuse this with other agricultural schemes.

Exam Tip

Remember: Mandatory Registration = Key Focus. SRR improvement is the GOAL.

4. How might this New Seed Bill affect farmers, both positively and negatively?

Positively, the bill aims to ensure better seed quality, potentially leading to higher yields and improved incomes. The focus on disease-resistant varieties can also reduce crop losses. Negatively, stricter penalties for non-compliance could disproportionately affect small and marginal farmers if they are unable to meet the registration requirements or face unintentional violations. There is also a concern that mandatory registration could increase the cost of seeds.

5. Which UPSC paper is this New Seed Bill most relevant to, and what specific angle should I prepare?

This is most relevant to GS Paper 3 (Economy), specifically the agriculture section. Focus on government policies and interventions for development of the agriculture sector. Prepare the potential impact of the bill on agricultural productivity, farmer income, and the overall economy. Also, understand the challenges in the seed sector and how this bill attempts to address them.

Exam Tip

GS Paper 3: Agriculture -> Government Policies -> Seed Sector. Focus on economic impact.

6. How does this New Seed Bill connect to the government's broader goals for the agricultural sector?

This bill aligns with the government's broader goals of increasing agricultural productivity, improving farmer incomes, and ensuring food security. By focusing on quality seeds and a higher Seed Replacement Rate (SRR), the government aims to enhance overall agricultural output and resilience. It also supports the development and distribution of climate-resilient varieties, which is crucial for adapting to changing climate conditions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is a primary objective of the New Seed Bill expected to be introduced in the Parliament?

A.To promote the import of genetically modified seeds
B.To mandate the registration of seeds and enhance seed quality
C.To reduce the role of private sector in seed production
D.To eliminate subsidies on agricultural inputs

Show Answer

Answer: B

The New Seed Bill aims to address concerns related to the quality of seeds and improve the overall seed replacement rate in the country. It proposes mandatory registration of seeds and stricter penalties for non-compliance. Options A, C, and D are not mentioned as objectives of the bill.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR): 1. SRR refers to the percentage of area sown with certified/quality seeds against the total area sown under that crop. 2. A higher SRR generally leads to decreased agricultural productivity. 3. The New Seed Bill aims to improve the SRR in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct: SRR is the percentage of area sown with certified/quality seeds against the total area sown under that crop. Statement 2 is incorrect: A higher SRR generally leads to increased agricultural productivity. Statement 3 is correct: The New Seed Bill aims to improve the SRR in India.

3. Which of the following Acts is related to seed regulation in India?

A.The Environment Protection Act, 1986
B.The Seeds Act, 1966
C.The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
D.The Plant Varieties Protection Act, 2001

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Seeds Act, 1966 is the primary legislation related to seed regulation in India. While the Plant Varieties Protection Act, 2001 deals with the protection of plant varieties, the Seeds Act focuses on regulating the quality and distribution of seeds.