Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally opposed The Seeds Bill, 2025, during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday.
Concerns Raised by Punjab
Mann argued the draft legislation could threaten traditional farming practices and favor private companies. He urged the central government not to present the bill to Parliament in its current form, stating it would undermine farmers’ rights to retain and store seeds for future planting.
The chief minister expressed concern that the bill’s proposed “zone-based” system does not guarantee representation for Punjab on the central seed committee, unlike the current arrangement. This, he said, would limit the state’s influence on decisions impacting the seed sector.
Key Provisions of Concern
Mann also highlighted the bill’s curtailment of powers for state-level seed committees, specifically regarding seed registration. He further noted the absence of a framework to compensate farmers for crop losses resulting from seed failure. The import of foreign seed varieties without mandatory testing under local conditions was also flagged as a potential risk.
According to Mann, Amit Shah assured him that the concerns would be examined. The Seeds Bill, 2025, is likely to be tabled during the upcoming budget session of Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern regarding the Seeds Bill, 2025?
The primary concern, as expressed by the Punjab Chief Minister, is that the bill threatens traditional farming practices and favors private companies by potentially forcing farmers to rely on them for seeds.
What changes does the bill propose regarding state representation?
The bill’s “zone-based” system does not guarantee Punjab’s representation on the central seed committee, unlike the existing framework, which could limit the state’s influence on seed sector decisions.
Does the bill address compensation for crop failure due to seed issues?
No, the draft bill is currently silent on providing compensation to farmers who suffer losses when registered seeds fail to perform as claimed.
How might changes to seed regulations impact the long-term sustainability of farming communities?
