(a) whether the Government proposes to make necessary changes in the Seeds Bill 2004 to ensure the rights of the farmers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any required changes have been incorporated in the proposed bill, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the present status of the seeds bill alongwith the time by which the bill is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) has accepted major recommendations of the Standing Committee and made necessary amendments in the Seeds Bill, 2004 to ensure the rights of the farmers. The official amendments in the bill includes exemptions of farmers from registration of farmers’ varieties, clarity in the definition of the farmers, complete freedom to farmers on selling of farm saved seed as well as bartering of seeds in conformity with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Acts, 2001, expansion of Central Seed Committee by having more representation from farmers, reducing the period of registration of seed varieties, regulation of sale of transgenic varieties, formation of compensation Committee for failure of seed, doing away with provision of self certification, rationalization of power of seed inspectors, improved functioning and performance of Seed Testing Laboratories etc.
(d): The Seeds Bill, 2004 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 9th December, 2004.
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