Haryana Assembly proposes up to 2 years in jail for fake seed producers

The Seed Act was first implemented in 1966 and amended in 1972 to regulate the quality of seeds for food crops, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, cotton, animal fodder, jute, and other crops. Its goal was to ensure farmers had access to high-quality seeds for better yields. However, the government argues that the existing law lacks stringent provisions to curb the sale and distribution of fake and substandard seeds, negatively impacting crop production and increasing farming costs.

Under the old law, for a first offense, the penalty was only a fine, with a maximum of Rs 500. In case of a second or subsequent offense, the offender could face up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.

The proposed amendment introduces stricter penalties. For a first offense, the guilty party will face a minimum of one year and up to two years of imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment increases to a minimum of two years and up to three years in prison, with a fine ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

Similarly, seed sellers found guilty of distributing fake, adulterated, or substandard seeds currently face a maximum fine of Rs 500 for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the penalty includes up to six months in jail, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.

Under the proposed law, first-time offenders will face imprisonment of six months to one year, along with a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. For repeat offenders, the punishment increases to one to two years in prison, with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

The government has also highlighted similar concerns with the Insecticides Act, 1968, stating that its lenient penalties have failed to deter the production and sale of counterfeit pesticides. Under the current law, a first offense carries a maximum of two years in jail and a fine between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. For repeat offenses, the maximum punishment increases to three years in prison and a fine between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000.

The proposed amendment by the Haryana government aims to toughen these penalties. For a first-time offense, the offender will face imprisonment of six months to two years, along with a fine between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh. For repeat offenses, the punishment will increase to one to three years in prison, with a fine ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.