Proposed National Seeds Bill 2025 Safeguards Farmers' Seed Rights

The National Seeds Bill 2025 protects farmers' rights to save, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds without applying to their traditional varieties. It requires the registration of market-sold seeds and promises protective measures, aligning with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001.

The National Seeds Bill 2025, currently under review, seeks to protect farmers' seed rights by exempting them from its legal scope, according to Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur. The legislation aims to empower farmers as they continue traditional practices like saving, exchanging, and selling seeds.

In response to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister Thakur highlighted that the Bill aligns with existing regulations like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001. This alignment is designed to ensure that farmers' and indigenous seed varieties remain safeguarded, reflecting the needs of stakeholders consulted in its creation.

The legislation mandates the registration of seeds sold in the market, seed producers, processing units, and plant nurseries. It also includes measures like regulation of seed pricing during emergencies and mandatory seed quality labelling. Currently in pre-legislative consultation, the draft is open for feedback to enhance national seed quality standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)