In a bid to tackle the pervasive issue of spurious seeds in the country, experts are calling for the implementation of a QR code system (traceability) on all truthfully labeled seeds. This measure, if enforced without succumbing to political or official pressures exerted by seed companies, could effectively curb the distribution of counterfeit seeds, particularly in the cultivation of cotton, maize, and various vegetables.
Private hybrid varieties and high-yielding seeds from both domestic and multinational seed companies have dominated the market across all states in India. However, the use of certified seeds, which currently employ a QR code system, remains relatively low. To rectify this situation and ensure justice for farmers, it is imperative that QR codes be mandated on all labeled seeds, including cotton, maize, vegetable hybrids, and chillies, starting from the current season.
The sale of seeds without QR codes or traceability should be strictly prohibited. Additionally, a point-of-sale (POS) system should be implemented for seed dealers to generate sales bills, which would facilitate the monitoring of seed flow and help identify spurious seeds across various crops.
The long-awaited seed bill, which has been pending in parliament for over a decade due to the influence of powerful seed lobbies, needs to be enacted immediately. It is essential for an honest and influential advocate to step forward and address the central government on this matter. Furthermore, joint secretaries and deputy commissioners responsible for seeds in the Government of India should have fixed one-year tenures to prevent them from succumbing to pressure from powerful seed lobbies. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are known to be the native habitats of these influential seed lobbies.
All 450 seed processing plants in Telangana, which prides itself as a global seed hub, should undergo comprehensive inspections by seed regulating authorities at various stages of production, from seed arrivals to packing and dispatch. Authorities should pay particular attention to the availability of modern infrastructure and machinery in these plants, as well as ensuring the presence of essential facilities such as dunnage, pallets, drying floors, and fumigation facilities. It is concerning that not a single paddy seed processing plant possesses an in-house seed testing laboratory or sends its samples to notified seed testing labs for testing germination, purity, other seed quality parameters, and inert matter. These activities must be made compulsory for inspection by task force teams and seed law enforcement officers from the Agricultural Department. Seed enforcement officials should also maintain close vigilance over seed production areas within their jurisdictions and maintain proper documentation.
To ensure thorough inspections, crop-specific scientists from agricultural and horticultural universities should periodically inspect the R&D seed farms of seed companies during different growth phases of the seed crop. This approach will be more effective than high-level review meetings or programs conducted by social organizations or NGOs, which may not adequately protect the interests of farmers.
In conclusion, urgent measures need to be taken to combat the issue of spurious seeds in India. The mandatory imposition of QR codes for all truthfully labeled seeds, along with stricter regulations, inspections, and the enactment of the long-delayed seed bill, will play a crucial role in protecting the interests of Indian farmers.
