India has one of the world’s fastest growing seed markets. Presently estimated at US$1.1 billion, India’s seed market is the sixth largest in the world. The world seed market is growing at the rate of 5% whereas the Indian seed market is growing at the staggering rate of 12% despite prevailing economic slowdown.
To govern and regulate such a growing market is a priority of every country and India is no exception. With India being largely an agricultural-based country, the need to have an efficient legal system for the regulation of the seed industry is a priority.
Seeds law
India has a specific law on seeds, namely the Seeds Act, 1966, but it being outdated paved the way for Seeds Bill, 2004, which aims to regulate the quality of seeds sold and would replace the Seeds Act, 1966.
The proposed enactment is progressive in nature. It addresses the contemporary issues faced by the country and reflects a genuine attempt by the legislators to resolve these issues.
Sidhartha Srivastava and Gurmeet Kainth are partners at DH Law Associates.
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