Parliament Question: Proposed Seed Bill

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE LOK SABHA Unstarred Question No.2979 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10th MARCH, 2026 Proposed Seed Bill 2979. Shri Rajmohan Unnithan: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of widespread concerns raised by farmers’ organisations that the proposed Seed Bill undermines farmers’ traditional rights to save, exchange and reuse seeds; (b) whether small and marginal farmers fear increased dependence on corporate seed suppliers and higher cultivation costs; (c) whether any comprehensive impact assessment has been undertaken on livelihoods, biodiversity and food security, particularly in States like Kerala; and (d) the detail of the steps taken or proposed to protect farmers’ autonomy while finalising the legislation? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a) to (d): The draft Seeds Bill was placed in the public domain by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for pre-legislative consultation and a large number of suggestions from various stakeholders like farmers, States, farmers’ organisations, experts and other stakeholders have been received. These suggestions are being carefully deliberated so as to fully safeguard farmers’ interest, livelihoods and biodiversity concerns. The proposed draft Seeds Bill is expected to facilitate production and supply of quality seeds and for matters connected therewith, regulate the quality of seeds and planting materials and ensure the availability of quality seeds for farmers; curb the sale of spurious and poor quality seeds for protecting the rights of the farmers. *****