The Seeds Act, 1966
π The Seeds Act, 1966
β 1. Introduction
The Seeds Act, 1966 was enacted by the Parliament of India to regulate the quality of seeds sold for agriculture and horticulture purposes. The Act ensures that farmers get good quality, reliable seeds, which is fundamental for food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable farming.
The Act came into force on October 2, 1969.
π― 2. Objectives of the Act
To regulate the quality of seeds for sale, distribution, and certification.
To protect farmers from substandard or misbranded seeds.
To provide a legal framework for seed testing, certification, and labeling.
To control import/export of seeds to ensure national biosecurity.
To establish seed testing laboratories and certification agencies.
𧱠3. Scope of the Act
The Act applies to:
Notified varieties of seeds (those officially notified by the government),
Seeds sold for agriculture and horticulture purposes,
Both public and private sector seed producers and sellers.
π 4. Key Provisions of the Act
π Section 2 β Definitions
Defines key terms such as:
Seed: Includes seeds of food crops, oilseeds, cotton, vegetables, etc.
Notified Variety: A seed variety officially notified by the Central Government under the Act.
Certified Seed: A seed that meets prescribed standards and is certified.
π Section 3 β Central Seed Committee
Establishes a Central Seed Committee (CSC) to:
Advise the government on seed matters,
Guide certification agencies,
Oversee implementation of the Act.
π Section 5 β Notification of Varieties
The Central Government can notify a variety of seed after trials and evaluation.
Only notified varieties are subject to regulation under the Act.
π Section 6 β Seed Certification Agency
Provides for the establishment of State Seed Certification Agencies (SSCA).
These bodies certify seeds and ensure they meet prescribed standards.
π Section 8 β Seed Analysis
Establishes Central and State Seed Testing Laboratories.
Analysts test the germination, purity, moisture content, etc., of seeds.
π Section 9 β Seed Inspectors
Government can appoint Seed Inspectors with powers to:
Enter and inspect premises,
Take seed samples,
Seize stock suspected to be substandard or misbranded.
π Section 10 β Duties of Seed Sellers
Sellers must:
Sell only notified and certified varieties,
Properly label packages with details like germination rate, origin, expiry date, etc.
π Section 19 β Penalties
Selling misbranded or substandard seeds attracts penalties:
First offence: Fine up to βΉ500,
Subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to βΉ1,000, or both.
π 5. Important Case Law
1. M/s Mahyco v. State of Maharashtra (2003)
Facts: Seed samples of Bt Cotton were found substandard.
Issue: Whether prosecution under the Seeds Act was valid.
Held: The Bombay High Court upheld the power of Seed Inspectors and ruled that companies are liable if their seeds fail to meet the notified standards.
Principle: Seed companies are responsible for ensuring quality of notified varieties.
2. State of Andhra Pradesh v. Pioneer Seeds (2005)
Facts: Farmers suffered losses due to low germination of hybrid seeds.
Held: The High Court held that failure to meet germination standards is a punishable offence under the Act.
Principle: Farmers have a legal remedy if they receive defective certified seeds.
3. Monsanto India Ltd. v. Union of India (2012)
Facts: Question over whether genetically modified (GM) seeds fell under the Seeds Act.
Held: The court observed that GM seeds, once notified, are subject to regulation under the Seeds Act.
Principle: All notified seeds, including biotech varieties, are covered under the Act.
π§ 6. Key Features and Principles
Labeling is mandatory β sellers must provide accurate information.
Inspection and sampling powers prevent fraudulent seed sales.
The Act applies only to notified varieties β others are outside its scope.
Emphasis is on quality assurance, not price control.
Farmers can seek compensation or initiate legal action under other laws (like Consumer Protection Act) if their rights under this Act are violated.
πΎ 7. Role of Institutions
National Seed Corporation (NSC): Key player in production and distribution.
State Seed Corporations: Responsible for regional implementation.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Conducts trials and research for varietal release.
π οΈ 8. Proposed Reforms
A new Seeds Bill has been proposed (not yet enacted) to:
Replace the 1966 Act,
Make registration mandatory for all seeds (not just notified varieties),
Increase penalties and compensation to farmers,
Include private players in certification and regulation.
β 9. Conclusion
The Seeds Act, 1966 is a foundational law that ensures the quality and reliability of seeds provided to Indian farmers. It lays down a clear framework for seed certification, inspection, labeling, and enforcement. While effective in regulating notified varieties, there have been demands to modernize the Act to reflect the emerging seed technologies, GMOs, and private sector involvement.
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