New Bills to Combat Fake Seeds and Fertilizers
India’s agricultural sector, vital to its economy and the livelihood of millions, faces a crisis due to substandard and counterfeit farming inputs. This issue impacts farmer prosperity, food security, and environmental health. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the upcoming introduction of two landmark bills in Parliament to revolutionize quality control and accountability, specifically targeting fake seeds and fertilizers and spurious manure. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting farmers from financial losses and ensuring food production integrity.
Why India Urgently Needs New Laws Against Fake Seeds and Fertilizers
The unchecked proliferation of counterfeit agricultural products poses a grave threat, leading to immense economic losses for farmers who invest in inputs that yield nothing or result in stunted growth.
- 2023-24 Data: 2.7% of tested seed samples, 4.9% of fertilizer samples, and 2.75% of pesticide samples were found to be substandard.
- Consequences: These failures trap farmers in debt cycles, decline agricultural productivity, and have been linked to farmer suicides.
- Environmental Damage: Adulterated fertilizers deplete soil nutrients and introduce harmful substances; contaminated seeds and pesticides compromise soil fertility and water quality.
- Health Risks: Spurious products can introduce toxic residues into the food chain and expose farmers to dangerous substances.
The proposed legislation aims to close regulatory loopholes and dismantle organized criminal networks exploiting the agricultural supply chain.
Defining ‘Fake’: Understanding Substandard Fake Seeds and Fertilizers
“Fake” in agricultural inputs refers to deceptive products:
- Fake Seeds: Old, low-quality seeds coated with carcinogenic dyes to appear fresh and viable, undermining crop yields and land health.
- Fake Fertilizers: Composed of industrial waste, marble slurry, sand, and synthetic dyes, lacking promised nutrients and potentially harming soil.
- Counterfeit Pesticides: Diluted or made with ineffective chemicals, failing to protect crops (e.g., whitefly infestations on cotton crops due to ineffective products).
The new bills will provide clearer legal definitions and robust mechanisms for identifying and prosecuting offenders.
Key Provisions of India’s Proposed Fake Seeds and Fertilizers Bill
Two distinct but complementary bills will introduce a stringent regulatory framework and heavier penalties.
The Seeds Bill, 2025
- Aims to supersede the Seeds Act of 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order of 1983.
- Mandatory Registration: All seed varieties will require registration, with exceptions for traditional farmers’ varieties and seeds for export.
- Severe Penalties: For selling “spurious” (fake) or non-registered seeds, or operating as an unregistered entity, penalties can reach ₹30 lakh (approx. USD 36,000) and up to three years imprisonment.
- Decriminalization of Minor Offenses: Minor infractions (e.g., failing to update SATHI portal information) may incur fines starting at ₹1 lakh.
- The draft is open for public feedback and is expected in Parliament’s Budget Session 2026.
Strengthening Fertilizer Regulation
- A separate, stringent law will address fake fertilizers, pesticides, and spurious farm inputs.
- Stricter Criminal Penalties: Enhanced accountability for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- Stronger Regulatory Frameworks: Clearer definitions, robust testing/certification, and tougher penalties.
- Closing Loopholes: Establishing a comprehensive legal mechanism for quality and authenticity.
- Currently, substandard fertilizers are regulated by the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO) under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA), with penalties including imprisonment (3 months to 7 years) and confiscation.
- States like Punjab have also increased penalties, making spurious seed sales a non-bailable offense with imprisonment (1-2 years) and fines (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh) for first offenses.
Enhancing Quality Control and Traceability to Combat Fake Seeds and Fertilizers
India is implementing advanced mechanisms for quality control and traceability:
- Protection of Plant Varieties: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001, protects plant varieties and rights of breeders and farmers.
- Modernizing Fertilizer Control: Amendments to the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, include streamlined sampling/analysis (December 2024) and updated specifications for biostimulants/organic fertilizers (May 2025).
- Digital Traceability Systems: A web-based organic crop traceability system (initially for grapes) is being expanded to other crops, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
- Comprehensive Seed Information: A digital portal is being developed to capture details on seeds, including grower information, lot numbers, production data, and lab codes.
- Broader Food Supply Chain Transparency: Initiatives by FSSAI, such as QR codes on food packages and exploration of blockchain technology, enhance transparency across the food supply chain.
These technological integrations, supported by programs like the Digital Agriculture Mission, aim to make agricultural input supply chains transparent and accountable, safeguarding farmers against spurious products.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new fake seeds and fertilizers bill is a pivotal moment for Indian agriculture. By combining strict legal provisions with enhanced traceability and quality control, the government is taking decisive steps to protect farmers, ensure food security, and foster a more reliable and sustainable agricultural sector.
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