India Moves to Overhaul Seed Regulation, Proposes QR Traceability and Stronger Penalties

11 September 2026, New Delhi: India is moving to strengthen its seed regulatory framework, with the government proposing a new Seed Act aimed at curbing fake and substandard seeds, improving traceability and strengthening accountability across the seed supply chain.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held consultations with farmer organisation leaders from across India at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, seeking feedback on the proposed legislation. Representatives from nearly all states participated, with around 20 farmer organisations presenting their views and recommendations.

The consultation follows a wider process of stakeholder engagement on the draft legislation. The government had invited comments on the proposed Seed Act in November and December 2025, receiving around 18,000 suggestions from farmers and farmer organisations.

India’s 1966 seed law faces a changing agricultural sector

Chouhan said India’s existing Seed Act dates back to 1966, while the Seeds Control Order was introduced in 1983. With agriculture, seed technologies and supply chains changing significantly over the past six decades, the existing framework has become less effective in addressing emerging risks.

According to the government, around 70% of seeds currently fall outside the scope of the existing Seed Act. Differences in procedures between states and limited penalties for violations have also created gaps in enforcement.

The proposed legislation is intended to establish a more uniform national framework covering seed registration, quality, traceability and enforcement.

QR codes could bring seed-to-farm traceability

A key feature of the proposed legislation is mandatory registration of seeds and planting material in a national register.

Seeds that are not registered would not be permitted for sale. Seed packets would also carry QR codes allowing farmers and regulators to access information on the seed’s origin, manufacturer, laboratory clearance and movement through the supply chain.

The government says a stronger traceability mechanism would make it easier to identify responsibility when seed quality problems occur, while giving farmers greater visibility into the products they purchase.

Traditional farmer seed rights to remain protected

The government has also sought to clarify that the proposed legislation will not restrict farmers’ existing rights over traditional and farmers’ varieties.

Farmers would continue to be able to use, exchange and sell traditional seeds. Registration would not be compulsory for traditional varieties, although farmers could voluntarily register them.

The proposed provisions would also not require digital registration for farmers producing seed for their own use, distribution within their village or supply to a company.

Proposed penalties could reach ₹30 lakh

The draft framework proposes a three-tier system of penalties.

• Minor violations: A warning for the first offence and a penalty of up to ₹50,000 for a second offence.
• Deliberate violations: Penalties of ₹1 lakh for a first offence and ₹2 lakh for a second offence for violations such as failing to provide required information, incorrect branding or not affixing a QR code.
• Serious offences: Selling fake seeds, operating without registration or deliberate fraud could attract penalties of up to ₹30 lakh along with imprisonment.

The government argues that stronger penalties are needed to deter fraudulent and illegal activity in the seed market.

States to gain greater role in releasing new varieties

The proposed law would give state governments greater authority to release new seed varieties based on recommendations from state-level committees, while maintaining national standards.

The approach is intended to make it easier for states to approve varieties suited to local climatic and agricultural conditions.

At the same time, approved varieties would be recorded in a common national online register accessible to both central and state authorities, reducing duplication in the registration process.

State seed funds proposed for farmer compensation

Another proposed provision is the creation of a Seed Security Fund in every state, managed by the respective state governments.

Penalties and recoveries collected under the proposed Seed Act would be deposited into these funds. In cases where seed failure causes losses to farmers, a verification committee would be required to facilitate compensation within 15 days.

Farmers would also retain the option of seeking compensation under the Consumer Protection Act.

Government keeps consultation open

Chouhan said the government has not set a deadline for finalising the legislation and would continue considering suggestions from farmers, farmer organisations and other stakeholders.

The consultation reflects a broader effort to modernise India’s seed governance while balancing stronger regulation with farmers’ traditional seed rights. If implemented, the proposed framework would introduce a more digitally traceable seed market, tougher penalties for fraud and a clearer mechanism for assigning responsibility when seed quality failures affect farmers.

The government says the legislation is intended to strengthen seed security, improve farmer protection and build greater accountability across India’s seed supply chain.

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