In a significant move to safeguard India's farming community, the Central government is preparing to introduce stringent legislation targeting the rampant issue of substandard seeds and counterfeit pesticides that have been plaguing agricultural sectors across the country.
Protecting Farmers' Livelihoods
The proposed law represents a comprehensive approach to agricultural quality control, focusing on two critical inputs that directly impact crop yields and farmer incomes. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that farmers receive genuine, high-quality agricultural inputs.
Combatting Agricultural Fraud
The legislation aims to address several key concerns:
- Quality Assurance: Establishing strict standards for seed germination rates and pesticide efficacy
- Supply Chain Monitoring: Implementing robust tracking systems from manufacturer to end-user
- Penal Provisions: Introducing severe penalties for manufacturers and distributors of substandard products
- Farmer Compensation: Creating mechanisms for affected farmers to seek redressal
Economic Impact on Agriculture
The use of inferior seeds and fake pesticides has caused substantial economic losses to farmers, particularly in rain-fed agricultural regions. Poor quality inputs not only reduce crop yields but also increase production costs as farmers are forced to apply additional quantities or resort to repeated sowing.
Government's Proactive Stance
Minister Chouhan highlighted that the new law will empower state agricultural departments and create a more transparent system for quality verification. The legislation is expected to include provisions for regular market surveillance and random testing of agricultural inputs.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of doubling farmers' incomes and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing the critical issue of input quality, the Centre aims to boost agricultural productivity while protecting farmers from fraudulent practices that undermine their hard work and investment.
