THE SEEDS BILL, 2004

• Overcome its present deficiencies.
• Create facilitative growth of seed industry.
• Enhance seed replacement rates for various crops.
• Boost the export of seeds and encourage import of useful germplasm.
• Create conducive atmosphere for development and for enhanced investment in research.

Central Seed Committee

The bill proposes to establish a central seed committee consisting of following members

Chairperson- Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture.

ex officio members

• Agriculture Commissioner -Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.
• Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences) - Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Deputy Director General (Horticulture) - Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Joint Secretary  in charge of seeds in the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.
• Horticulture Commissioner - Department of Agriculture and Co-operation,
• representative of the Department of Bio-technology,
• representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forests

Apart from the above members Central Government may nominate following members to the committee

• Secretary (Agriculture) from five States,
• Director, State Seed Certification Agency from one State
• Managing Director, State Seeds Corporation, from one State
• Two representatives of farmers;
• Two representatives of seed industry;
• Two specialists or experts in the field of seed development.

Powers and duties of the Central Seed Committee

The Committee will responsible for the effective implementation of this Act and need to advise the Central Government and the State Governments on matters relating to-

• Seed programming and planning;
• Seed development and production;
• Export and import of seeds;
• Standards for registration, certification and seed testing;
• Seed registration and its enforcement
• Such other matters as may be specified by the Central Government.
• The minimum limits of germination, genetic and physical purity, and seed health, with respect to any seed of any kind of variety

Registration Sub-Committee

Registration sub committees has the duty to register the seeds, issue certificates, settle the disputes and perform all the duties prescribed by the central seed committee

State Seed Committee

State seed committee has following powers and duties

• Advise the Committee on registration of regional or local seeds of any kind or variety;
• Advise the State Government on registration of seed producing units, seed processing units, seed dealers and horticulture nurseries;
• Maintain, a list of seed dealers, seed producers, seed processing units and horticulture nurseries in each district
• Seek information from persons engaged in the production, supply, distribution, trade or commerce in seeds of any kind or variety regarding stocks, prices, sales and other information.
• Advise the State Government and the Central seed Committee on all the related matters

Registration Procedure

Registration Sub-Committee has to maintain a register of all kinds and varieties of seed to be called the National Register of Seeds. The registrations sub committee has publish the list of kinds and varieties of seed, which have been registered at regular interval.
Registration Sub-Committee on receiving an application for registration of a new seed variety may carry out an enquiry. On satisfying that the seed conforms to the claims made by the importer or by the seller, regarding the efficacy of seed and its safety to human beings and animals may register
Registration Sub-Committee will allot a registration number registration certificate for the newly registered seed variety

Period of registration and renewal

Registration made under this Act shall be valid for a period of fifteen years in the case of annual and biennial crops, and eighteen years for long duration perennials.  The seed may be re-registered for a like period on expiry of the first registration period.

Last updated on: 27-12-2007