Punjab Outlook

India’s farms are the backbone of our country. They feed us all and keep millions employed. But for too long, fake or low-quality seeds have hurt farmers, leading to poor crops and lost money. Punjab hasn’t forgotten the controversies during the Akali Dal regime under Jathedar Tota Singh, where spurious seed and pesticide scams devastated families and ruined harvests. That’s why the Draft Seeds Bill 2025 is a big win. Released by the government on November 13, 2025, this new law aims to fix old rules from 1966 and make seeds better for everyone. It regulates seed quality so farmers get modern, scientifically proven options through trials and field tests. I believe it’s a smart step forward that deserves our support. And any farmer who doesn’t want modern seeds is free to keep using their own. Most important is the bill’s recognition of transgenic seeds, especially as global farming shifts to GM crops that cut down on pesticides and water use. With the Indian government pushing organic farming and less chemical use, transgenic seeds could be a strong step ahead. Renowned Farmer leaders like the late Sharad Joshi and Bhupinder Singh Mann, ex-MP, have long advocated for farmers to access modern tech, including GM seeds. Their groups Shetkari Sanghatana, Bhartiya Kisan Union, under the umbrella of “All India Kisan Coordination Committee”, have pushed for this for decades to help farmers compete globally. India cannot meet its internal demand of pulses and cooking oil unless it introduces high yielding, pest resistant, low water requiring seeds. Probably it is most important for Punjab where crop diversification and low water requiring crops are the need of the hour.

First, let’s look at what the bill does right. It makes sure all seeds sold in India are checked and registered. No more selling bad seeds without anyone knowing. Farmers will get high-quality seeds that grow well, with details like germination rates and purity levels. There’s even a QR code on every pack to track where the seed came from. This traceability means if something goes wrong, we can quickly find and fix the problem. The bill also sets tough penalties—up to 30 lakh rupees and jail time—for selling fake seeds. That’s a strong message to cheaters.

Another great part is the “Right to Seed.”

Farmers can save, share, or even sell their own seeds from their farms, as long as they’re not branded like big company products.

This protects small farmers and keeps traditional ways alive. The bill also makes it easier to import good seeds from abroad and lets foreign groups test new varieties here. That could bring in better tech and help our crops fight pests or droughts. Groups like the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) have welcomed this, calling it a “long-awaited modernization” that will boost innovation and keep seeds affordable.

Experts like KBS Sidhu, a former Punjab official, praise the bill’s “big ideas” like universal registration and real penalties. In his op-ed in The Print, he says it could rebuild trust in seeds, especially in states like Punjab where fake seeds cause big losses. With digital tools and price controls in emergencies, the bill could stop sudden price hikes and make farming more stable.

But not everyone is happy. Some farmer groups strongly oppose it. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a big umbrella of farmer unions, wants the bill scrapped. They say it gives too much power to big companies, letting them control seeds and raise prices. SKM leaders argue it “surrenders India’s seed sovereignty” and could lead to “predatory pricing by corporate monopolies.” The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) agrees, warning that the bill hands farmers’ seeds over to corporates and might make small farmers struggle. They’re holding protests today, November 26, 2025, to mark five years since the big farm law fights. As predicted they will also oppose this Seed Bill because they feel it is their responsibility to oppose and just oppose.

Other critics, like seed activist Bharat Mansata from Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, say the bill could harm health and the environment by easing in genetically modified (GM) seeds without enough checks. They worry about losing India’s rich variety of local seeds and making small farmers depend on big firms. Groups point out the bill is quiet on easy compensation if seeds fail—farmers might still have to go to court, which is hard for many. Over 100 farmer associations have joined to oppose it, fearing stronger corporate monopoly. Some farmer leaders from Punjab have started creating a false narrative around this to oppose it, which is unfortunate and regressive.

Their opposition is misplaced and unwarranted. The investment needed for seed research is huge, and it often doesn’t yield much in the public sector. Take Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)—it faces severe fund shortages, with much of the budget going to salaries instead of research. Worldwide, real research and inventions happen in the private sector; the public sector can promote mediocrity if underfunded.

These worries are real and come from past experiences, like the 2020 farm laws that sparked huge protests. But I think the bill addresses many fears. It doesn’t force GM seeds—it just regulates all seeds better, including transgenic ones, with safety checks. Farmers stay exempt for their own use, and the government is open to feedback until December 11, 2025. We can suggest changes, like better compensation rules or stronger state roles, to make it fairer.

In the end, this bill is about helping India’s 140 million farmers get reliable seeds without fear of fakes. It promotes growth while protecting rights. With input from all sides, it can be even better. Let’s welcome this change—our farms need it now more than ever.