24 March 2025, Chandigarh: The Haryana Government has taken a decisive step to protect farmers’ interests and ensure the quality of agricultural inputs by amending the Seeds Act, 1966. The Seeds (Haryana Amendment) Act, 2025 was officially published in the Haryana Government Gazette on March 12, 2025, marking a significant move toward regulating the sale, production, and distribution of seeds in the state. The amendment, introduced under Section 19A of the Act, aims to curb the sale of substandard seeds that adversely impact farmers’ productivity and increase the overall cost of crop production.
Under the newly introduced provisions, violations of Section 7 of the Seeds Act, 1966, are now classified as cognizable and non-bailable offenses. The penalties for such violations are severe, reflecting the government’s determination to tackle the issue effectively. If an offense is committed by a company or producer, the person in charge and responsible for the conduct of the business at the time of the offense will face imprisonment for a period ranging from one to two years and a fine of at least one lakh rupees, extendable up to three lakh rupees. In cases where the company or producer is a repeat offender, the punishment will be imprisonment of two to three years along with a fine ranging from three lakh to five lakh rupees. For dealers or individuals involved in the contravention of Section 7, the law prescribes imprisonment between six months to one year and a fine between fifty thousand and one lakh rupees. Repeat offenses by dealers or individuals will lead to imprisonment of one to two years and a fine ranging from one lakh to two lakh rupees.
The Haryana Government justified this stringent amendment by highlighting the increasing incidents of producers and dealers selling seeds that do not meet the required quality standards. The sale of substandard seeds has resulted in reduced agricultural productivity, increased costs for farmers, and significant economic losses. These challenges prompted the government to introduce stricter regulations to curb the malpractice and hold offenders accountable. By making these offenses cognizable and non-bailable, the state aims to send a strong message against compromising agricultural quality.
In a joint statement, Shyam Singh Rana, the Agriculture Minister of Haryana, and Dr. Satish Kumar, Secretary, expressed their commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests. They emphasized that the amendment is a necessary measure to ensure that only quality seeds reach farmers, helping maintain agricultural standards and boosting farmers’ confidence in the market. They also reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting farmers in improving their productivity and reducing input costs.
The Seeds (Haryana Amendment) Act, 2025 is expected to bring a positive change in Haryana’s agricultural landscape by discouraging unethical practices and ensuring the availability of quality seeds. The government believes that these strict measures will help build a more reliable agricultural market and strengthen the overall agricultural economy of the state.
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