Agriculture Minister details proposed Seed Act 2026: QR-code traceability and penalties up to ₹30 lakh
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan explained the features of the proposed Seed Act 2026 on 16 January 2026, including nationwide seed traceability and penalties of up to ₹30 lakh for substandard seeds.
Summary
The proposed Seed Act 2026 will set up a nationwide seed traceability system, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the media on 16 January 2026; every seed packet will carry a QR code showing where the seed was produced, which dealer supplied it and who sold it. Registration of seed companies will be mandatory and unauthorised sellers will be barred from selling seeds. The proposal includes a penalty of up to ₹30 lakh and stringent punishment for selling substandard seeds. Chouhan said farmers will remain free to sow their own seeds and share them with other farmers.
Key facts
- Law
- Seed Act 2026 (proposed)
- Traceability
- Nationwide system; QR code on every seed packet
- Seed companies
- Registration mandatory; unauthorised sellers barred
- Penalty
- Up to ₹30 lakh for substandard seeds (proposed)
- Farmers' seeds
- Farmers may sow and share their own seeds
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under the proposed Seed Act 2026, what will every seed packet carry so that farmers can trace the seed's origin?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — A QR code
PIB (Agriculture): every seed packet will carry a QR code which, when scanned, shows complete information about its origin.
What maximum penalty has been proposed under the new Seed Act for selling substandard seeds?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹30 lakh
PIB (Agriculture): a penalty of up to ₹30 lakh and stringent punishment have been proposed for selling substandard seeds.
Consider the following statements about the proposed Seed Act 2026, as explained by the Agriculture Minister: 1. Registration of seed companies will be mandatory. 2. Farmers will be barred from sharing their own seeds with other farmers. 3. A nationwide seed traceability system will be set up. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Agriculture): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: farmers can sow their own seeds and share them with other farmers.