New Delhi, India – The Centre is poised to introduce the new Seeds Bill in Parliament during the Budget Session’s second half, commencing March 9th. The Agriculture Ministry has concluded inter-ministerial consultations and legal vetting, awaiting Union Cabinet approval.
Key facts of the new Seed Bill:
- Mandatory registration of seed varieties.
- Penalties up to ₹30 lakh and 3 years imprisonment for major offenses.
- Aims to replace the Seeds Act, 1966.
- The annual seed requirement was 48.20 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
- Seed market in India is estimated to be about ₹40,000 crore.
The government intends to withdraw the previous Seeds Bill, pending since 2004, to facilitate the new legislation.
