India has a well-defined legal framework to regulate seed quality and curb the sale of spurious and substandard seeds, with significant enforcement powers vested in state governments. Under the Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rules, 1968, and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, states are authorised to take stringent action to protect farmers’ interests and ensure the availability of quality seeds in the market.
These laws empower state governments to appoint Seed Inspectors, who are authorised to inspect seed production, storage, and sale outlets. Inspectors can draw samples for quality testing and initiate enforcement actions against violators. In cases of non-compliance, authorities may cancel or suspend licences, seize stocks, issue stop-sale orders, and initiate prosecution against offenders involved in the sale of fake or inferior seeds. This robust enforcement mechanism enables states to take swift and effective action at the ground level.
Digital Traceability to Curb Fake Seeds
To further strengthen oversight and transparency across the seed supply chain, the Government of India has launched the Seed Certification, Traceability and Inventory (Saathi) Portal. The portal ensures end-to-end digital traceability of seeds, allowing authorities to track seeds from production to sale. This technology-driven initiative is aimed at preventing the circulation of spurious and low-quality seeds and improving accountability among seed producers, distributors, and retailers.
In addition, the central government regularly issues advisories to states and Union Territories to ensure strict implementation of the existing legal framework. These advisories emphasize enhanced monitoring and inspection of storage facilities and sales points of dealers and retailers, particularly during peak sowing seasons, to prevent the sale of fake or substandard seeds.
Protection of Traditional and Farmers’ Varieties
The protection of traditional seed varieties is also addressed through complementary legislation. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provide statutory provisions for the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of traditional and farmers’ varieties.
Importantly, farmers retain the right to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell seeds produced on their own farms, in accordance with existing laws. Together, these measures underline the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests, ensuring seed quality, and preventing the spread of spurious seeds across the country.
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