Seed Act 2026 to End Fake Seeds, Introduce QR-Based Traceability and Strict Penalties: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Summing up, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the objective of Seed Act 2026 is simple and uncompromising: every farmer must get safe, reliable and productive seeds.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today unveiled the key features of the proposed Seed Act 2026, describing it as a historic reform to protect farmers, ensure seed quality and bring transparency and accountability to India’s seed ecosystem.

Briefing the media, the Minister said the new legislation replaces the outdated Seed Act of 1966 with a modern, technology-driven framework, designed to ensure that every farmer gets the right seed, from the right source, with full information and legal protection.

“Farmers Will Know the Complete Story of Every Seed”

At the heart of the new law is a nationwide seed traceability system. Shri Chouhan said that every seed packet sold in the country will carry a QR code, enabling farmers to instantly access complete details—including where the seed was produced, which dealer supplied it and who sold it.

“This system will ensure that farmers know the full journey of every seed they buy. If fake or substandard seeds enter the market, they will be identified immediately and action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.

Zero Tolerance for Substandard Seeds

The Union Minister made it clear that the government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards inferior or fake seeds.

“Earlier, substandard seeds often went undetected. Now, inferior seeds will not enter the system at all—and even if they do, they will be caught. Those supplying such seeds will face strict penalties,” he said, adding that arbitrary practices by unscrupulous companies and dealers will come to an end.

Mandatory Registration of Seed Companies

Under Seed Act 2026, registration of all seed companies will be compulsory, creating a verified and transparent marketplace.

“Only authorised and registered companies will be allowed to sell seeds. Fake companies and unauthorised sellers will be eliminated from the system,” Shri Chouhan said, noting that farmers will have access to details of registered seed suppliers.

No Curbs on Traditional and Farmer-Saved Seeds

Addressing concerns from farming communities, the Minister categorically stated that the new law does not restrict traditional seed practices.

“Farmers are free to sow their own seeds and exchange seeds with other farmers. Local seed-sharing traditions will continue exactly as before,” he said, citing common rural practices where seeds are exchanged and returned with additional quantity after harvest.

Penalties Raised to ₹30 Lakh, Jail for Deliberate Offences

Highlighting the strong enforcement provisions, Shri Chouhan said penalties for seed-related violations have been drastically enhanced.

“Earlier, the maximum penalty was ₹500. Now, fines can go up to ₹30 lakh, and in cases of deliberate fraud, there will be imprisonment of up to three years,” he said, stressing that while genuine companies have nothing to fear, those cheating farmers will face strict consequences.

Strengthening ICAR and Indian Seed Producers

The Minister said the law strengthens the role of public institutions like ICAR, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), alongside credible domestic seed companies.

Foreign seeds, he added, will be allowed only after rigorous testing and evaluation, ensuring that Indian farmers are protected from unsuitable or low-quality imports. “Our public and private Indian institutions will remain strong pillars of seed development and distribution,” he said.

Massive Awareness Drive for Farmers

Recognising the importance of awareness, Shri Chouhan said the government will roll out a nationwide farmer outreach programme, leveraging initiatives such as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.

“All 731 KVKs across the country will actively educate farmers on seed quality, selection, QR-based verification and grievance redressal,” he said, adding that scientists, officials and progressive farmers will directly engage with villages.

States’ Rights Fully Protected

Addressing federal concerns, the Minister clarified that agriculture remains a state subject, and the rights of state governments will remain intact.

“The Centre will only coordinate. The Seed Act 2026 will be implemented in full cooperation with states,” he said.

A Farmer-First Reform

Summing up, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the objective of Seed Act 2026 is simple and uncompromising: every farmer must get safe, reliable and productive seeds.

“Good companies will be encouraged, innovation will be supported, and those who exploit farmers will face strict action. This law restores trust and ensures justice for farmers,” he said.

With digital traceability, strong enforcement and farmer-friendly safeguards, the Seed Act 2026 is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, reduce crop losses and strengthen confidence in India’s seed system.