Relevance: Important for GS Prelims – Agriculture & Governance
About the Seeds Act, 1966
- The Seeds Act, 1966 is the principal legislation governing the quality of notified seeds in India.
- It aims to regulate the quality of seeds available to farmers and ensure that notified seeds meet prescribed standards of quality.
- The Act provides for the establishment of institutions and mechanisms for seed certification, testing and quality control.
Key Provisions
- Central Seed Committee: Advises the Central Government on matters related to implementation of the Act.
- Central Seed Laboratory: Provides facilities for seed testing and analysis.
- State Seed Laboratories: Conduct testing of seed samples at the state level.
- Seed Certification Agencies: Certify seeds that conform to prescribed standards.
- Seed Analysts: Analyse seed samples to determine whether they meet prescribed standards.
- Seed Inspectors: Inspect and enforce provisions relating to the quality of notified seeds.
- Labelling: Notified seeds must comply with prescribed requirements regarding quality and labelling.
- Minimum Standards: The Central Government may notify minimum standards relating to germination, purity and other quality parameters.
Seeds (Control) Order, 1983
- The Seeds Act, 1966 is complemented by the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.
- The Order provides for the licensing and regulation of dealers in seeds.
Why is it Important?
- Ensures availability of quality seeds to farmers.
- Helps prevent the sale of substandard notified seeds.
- Supports seed quality assurance and certification.
- Strengthens regulatory oversight of the seed sector.
Key Difference
| Seeds Act, 1966 | Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 |
| Regulates quality of notified seeds | Regulates seed dealers |
| Provides for seed testing & certification | Provides for licensing of dealers |
| Enacted by Parliament | Issued under the Essential Commodities Act |
Conclusion
- The Seeds Act, 1966 forms an important part of India’s seed-quality regulatory framework by establishing mechanisms for testing, certification, labelling and enforcement, thereby helping safeguard farmers from poor-quality notified seeds.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in Stronger Seed Act Proposed to Protect Farmers. |