Why in news?
The government has announced measures to tackle the growing menace of counterfeit and substandard seeds that threaten Geographical Indication (GI) crops such as Basmati rice. Farmers and exporters have raised concerns over poor yields and reputational damage.
Importance of GI crops
- GI‑tagged crops like Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea and Mysore silk carry unique characteristics linked to geography and culture. They command premium prices in domestic and foreign markets.
- These crops support farmers’ livelihoods, preserve biodiversity and enhance India’s “soft power” in global trade.
Issues with counterfeit seeds
- Low yields: Fake seeds produce inferior crops, causing income losses and encouraging farmers to abandon GI varieties.
- Quality deterioration: Mixing of spurious seeds undermines the aroma and grain length of Basmati, harming India’s brand image.
- Scale of fraud: Unregulated dealers sell large volumes of uncertified seeds, particularly in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Illegal imports compound the problem.
Government initiatives
- SATHI project: The digital seed traceability system initially implemented for cotton is being expanded to Basmati and other crops. QR codes track seeds from breeder to farmer, enabling authentication.
- Seeds Act amendments: Proposed changes to the Seeds Act 1966 aim to make registration and labelling mandatory, impose stricter penalties and improve enforcement.
- Testing infrastructure: The government is upgrading seed testing labs and promoting accreditation by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Farmer awareness: Helplines and awareness campaigns educate farmers about buying certified seeds and reporting fraud.
Challenges and way forward
- Enforcement remains weak due to limited inspectors and lengthy legal processes. Small farmers continue to buy seeds from informal markets due to lower prices.
- The private sector controls a large share of seed production; collaboration is essential for traceability and R&D.
- Universal digital traceability, stronger penalties, price support and international branding can help protect GI crops.
Conclusion
Counterfeit seeds threaten farmers’ livelihoods and India’s reputation. A combination of regulatory reform, technology and awareness is necessary to preserve the integrity of GI crops like Basmati.