New Delhi, India
August 27, 2010

The Seed Bill 2010 provides for compulsory registration of kinds or varieties of seeds. No person will be allowed to carry on the business of selling or supplying any seed which is not of a registered kind/variety. Farmers are exempted from compulsory registration. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Act provide registration of plant varieties with the objective of conserving rights of breeders and farmers.

Penalties proposed in the Bill are higher than the existing Act. Proposed penalties have been further enhanced based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee and other amendments proposed to the Bill. The Seeds Bill is stringent in its provisions as it provides not only for penalty (both fine and imprisonment) but also for cancellation of registration and compensation to farmers.

This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Website: http://pib.nic.in

Published: August 27, 2010