India, Nov. 16 -- The Indian government's Draft Seeds Bill, 2025, which is its latest attempt to overhaul regulations governing the seed sector, aims to replace the Seeds Act, 1966, and the Seed Control Order, 1983. Officials say the new law will improve the supply of quality seeds, curb counterfeits and offer greater protection to farmers.

But, as with previous attempts in 2004 and 2019, the Bill has drawn sharp criticism. Farmer groups, seed experts and civil society organisations argue that the proposed law is better suited to seed companies and agribusinesses than to ordinary cultivators, particularly those relying on traditional, chemical-free farming.

Seed expert Bharat Mansata, a member of the Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, warned tha...