Maharashtra Plans Dedicated Seed Law to Empower Farmers, Ensure Quality and Accountability

Maharashtra is preparing to introduce a dedicated seed law aimed at empowering farmers with legal rights over their seeds while strengthening quality control and accountability in the seed sector.

State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne announced that the proposed legislation will allow farmers to store, use, exchange and sell seeds freely, provided they do not market them under branded names. The move is intended to protect traditional farming practices while ensuring access to reliable seed material.

Speaking at a review meeting held at Mantralaya, Bharne said the new law will include robust provisions to guarantee seed quality, provide legal safeguards to farmers and ensure immediate compensation in cases where seeds are found to be defective.

The initiative follows assurances made during the 2025 monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature, and forms part of broader efforts to update the regulatory framework beyond the existing Seeds Act, 1966.

The proposed law is expected to introduce strict accountability measures for seed companies, including clear liability for substandard products. It will also seek to improve the functioning of Mahabeej and enforce stringent penalties against violators.

To strengthen grievance redressal, district-level seed complaint centres will be established. Additionally, the government has directed officials to begin registration of “truthful seeds” on the Saathi Portal, with provisions to incorporate research contributions from agricultural universities into the regulatory framework.

Under the new system, registration will be mandatory for all stakeholders in the seed supply chain, including producers, processing units, distributors, sellers and nurseries. Nurseries will also be required to maintain detailed records on the origin of planting material.

To enhance transparency, seed packets will carry QR codes, and a centralised traceability mechanism will be introduced to monitor the movement of seeds from production to sale.

The law will also enforce seed health standards, regulating permissible levels of viruses, bacteria and fungi to ensure better crop outcomes.

Meanwhile, the state has already achieved 100% registration of seed-producing entities on the Saathi Portal. From the Kharif 2026 season onwards, all seed production, distribution and sales will be conducted through the portal, significantly improving traceability, certification and accountability across the sector.