In response to mounting complaints from farmers about the quality of seeds and pesticides, the Union government is preparing to strengthen existing agricultural legislation. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to amend the Seeds Act of 1966 and the Insecticides Act of 1968, aiming to ensure quality inputs and stricter regulation. The move follows the conclusion of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide outreach program that engaged 1.34 crore farmers across more than 1.43 lakh villages. The initiative not only collected valuable grassroots feedback but also emphasized collaborative efforts in agricultural development.
Government Moves to Tighten Agricultural Input Regulations
Amid widespread concerns about the declining quality of critical agricultural inputs, the Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to introduce stringent amendments to the Seeds Act and Insecticides Act. The decision, announced by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is rooted in extensive farmer feedback gathered during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a major outreach program that concluded on June 12.
Chouhan emphasized that both laws require modern updates to curb the sale of substandard seeds and pesticides, which have significantly affected crop outcomes for millions of Indian farmers.
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: A Pan-India Outreach Success
Launched on May 29 in Puri, Odisha, and concluded in Bardoli, Gujarat, the campaign covered 721 districts through 60,281 on-ground programs. It was a joint endeavor by central and state governments, mobilizing 2,170 teams and more than 8,280 scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Branded as “One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team,” the campaign focused on district-specific crop advisories, promoting organic and natural farming, and capturing on-field feedback. The campaign reached 1.34 crore farmers in 1.43 lakh villages, including remote and tribal areas.
Farmer Feedback Prompts Legislative Overhaul
A key takeaway from the campaign was the volume of complaints regarding the ineffectiveness of pesticides and the poor quality of seeds. Many farmers reported that the application of pesticides did not yield the desired results, raising suspicions of adulteration or inefficacy. Chouhan clarified that while no accusations will be made without evidence, reform is essential.
To this end, the Seeds Act of 1966 is set to undergo revisions to better regulate seed quality, especially in cases involving non-certified variants. The proposed changes include higher penalties for violations and tighter controls over the distribution channels.
Similarly, the Insecticides Act of 1968 is being reviewed to tackle the widespread sale of counterfeit and substandard pesticides.
Strengthening KVKs and Institutional Coordination
To improve institutional effectiveness, Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be designated as the nodal agencies in each district. Their role will be expanded to include coordination among input suppliers, regulators, and farmers.
The government also plans to enforce mandatory weekly field visits by KVK scientists, while Chouhan himself committed to spending two days a week directly interacting with farmers in the field. This hands-on governance model aims to create a more responsive and transparent system of agricultural support.
Addressing Broader Agricultural Challenges
Beyond regulatory reforms, the government is considering technology-driven solutions to other pressing issues. Farmers across states raised concerns about crop destruction by wild animals. In response, the ministry is exploring artificial intelligence-based surveillance and deterrent systems, along with humane fencing solutions under existing assistance schemes.
Pest infestations—especially in cotton, sugarcane, and soybean—also featured prominently in farmer feedback. To mitigate these threats, separate intervention programs tailored to these crops are being designed.
A Policy Shift Rooted in Ground Realities
The reforms being charted reflect a larger shift in India’s agricultural policy—one that places the farmer’s voice at the center of decision-making. By drawing directly from on-ground data and farmer testimonials, the government appears poised to transition from a reactive to a preventive regulatory framework.
As the country prepares for the upcoming rabi season, a follow-up campaign will be launched to replicate the engagement model and assess the progress of implemented reforms.
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