Centre to bring new seed, pesticide laws: Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said the Centre will soon introduce new laws related to seeds and pesticides to protect farmers’ interests and curb the supply of spurious agricultural inputs.
Addressing a farmers’ fair at Kumhari in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, Chouhan said exploitation of farmers through spurious fertilisers, pesticides and fake seeds would not be tolerated, warning of strict and punitive action against those harming cultivators’ interests.
“Fake fertilisers and fake seeds are a major problem for farmers. We are trying to bring the Seed Act in Parliament during the current session. Those supplying substandard seeds to farmers will not be spared. Heavy fines will be imposed and, if done deliberately, there will also be provisions for punishment,” the union minister said.
He said a Pesticide Act is also being drafted to ensure strict action against companies or individuals supplying inferior pesticides. “Many times, farmers invest their money in poor-quality pesticides that fail to work. Such practices will not be allowed under any circumstances,” he added.
His government is trying to bring the two Acts in the ongoing session of the Parliament, he said.
Chouhan said forcing farmers to buy pesticides or other products with fertilisers would be treated as illegal, and strict action would be taken against those involved.
He assured full support for research and innovation in agriculture. The minister said a national ‘krishi chintan shivir’ (agriculture conclave) will be held in New Delhi on February 16 and 17.
