Maharashtra To Introduce Separate Seed Law Granting Farmers Legal Rights

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne announced that the state will introduce a separate law to grant farmers legal rights over crop seeds. The proposed legislation aims to allow farmers to store, use, exchange, and sell seeds without using branded names.

The announcement was made during a review meeting held at Mantralaya. The move follows assurances given during the 2025 monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature.

Proposed Legal Rights for Farmers

The proposed law will formally recognise farmers’ rights to handle crop seeds without dependency on branded products. It is intended to provide legal protection to farmers against defective or substandard seeds.

According to the minister, the law will ensure immediate compensation if seeds fail to meet prescribed quality standards. This framework seeks to address recurring disputes between farmers and seed suppliers.

Amendments Linked to The Seeds Act, 1966

The proposed legislation aligns with amendments under consideration to the Seeds Act, 1966. These amendments were reviewed in line with commitments made during the 2025 monsoon session of the state legislature.

The new provisions aim to strengthen regulatory oversight of seed quality and distribution. Responsibility for seed quality will be clearly fixed on seed companies under the revised framework.

Strengthening Oversight and Institutional Mechanisms

The law will include strong provisions to improve the functioning of Mahabeej, the state seed corporation. District‑level seed grievance redressal centres will be set up to address farmer complaints promptly.

Officials have been directed to initiate registration of “truthful seeds” on the Saathi Portal. Clear provisions will also cover research conducted by agricultural universities to support seed development and standards.

Seed Traceability and Registration Requirements

The proposed law is expected to mandate registration for seed producers, processing units, distributors, sellers, and nurseries. Nurseries will be required to maintain records detailing the origin of plants.

Seed packets will carry QR codes, supported by a centralised seed traceability system covering the entire supply chain. The law will also introduce seed health standards to regulate permissible levels of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Read More: Maharashtra Approves State Compressed Biogas Policy.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra government has completed 100% registration of seed‑producing entities on the Saathi Portal. From the Kharif 2026 season, all seed production, distribution, and sales will be routed through the portal.

This is expected to improve traceability, certification, and accountability within the seed ecosystem. The proposed law represents a structured attempt to strengthen farmer protection and regulatory enforcement in the seed sector.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.