Agriculture Minister Pushes for Tougher Laws Against Fake Seeds and Pesticides
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for stronger legal action against the sale of fake seeds and pesticides, describing them as one of the biggest threats facing Indian farmers. Speaking during the 98th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the minister said poor-quality agricultural inputs directly affect crop productivity, farmer income, and food security.
The minister also unveiled a roadmap titled “Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan” as part of the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The plan focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, improving technology adoption, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding the reach of scientific farming practices across the country.
Farmers across several states have repeatedly reported losses caused by counterfeit seeds, pesticides, and fertilisers. Poor-quality inputs often lead to weak germination, crop failure, pest attacks, and lower yields.
Agricultural experts say farmers frequently discover the problem only after crops begin showing poor performance in the field. By then, much of the investment in land preparation, irrigation, and labour has already been spent.
The Agriculture Minister stressed that stronger regulations and stricter enforcement are needed to protect farmers from such losses.
ICAR Technologies to Reach More Farmers
A major announcement made during the event was the goal of extending ICAR-developed technologies to 100 million farmers across India. The government wants scientific innovations developed by research institutions to reach farms more quickly and improve productivity on the ground.
Researchers have developed improved crop varieties, water-saving techniques, climate-resilient farming practices, and pest-management solutions over the years. Many of these technologies remain underutilised despite their potential benefits.
Officials believe stronger extension networks and digital platforms can help bridge this gap.
The roadmap also emphasises climate resilience. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events are creating new challenges for agriculture across India.
Scientists and policymakers increasingly agree that future growth in agriculture will depend on developing crops and farming systems capable of performing under changing climatic conditions.
The minister highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and farmer training in building a more resilient agricultural sector.
Technology and Research Take Centre Stage
The government wants greater use of modern technologies in agriculture, including digital advisory systems, precision farming tools, improved seed varieties, and advanced research programmes.
Agricultural universities and ICAR institutions are expected to play a major role in this effort by generating practical solutions for farmers.
Experts say technology adoption will be critical if India hopes to increase productivity while using water, land, and other resources more efficiently.
A Push for Cleaner Agricultural Markets
The call for stricter laws against counterfeit agricultural inputs highlights a problem that has affected farmers for years. Fake products not only reduce yields but also undermine confidence in agricultural markets.
For farmers, access to genuine seeds and crop protection products remains essential for successful cultivation. For policymakers, improving regulation could help reduce avoidable crop losses and strengthen agricultural growth.
With the government focusing on scientific farming, climate resilience, and technology transfer, the latest announcements signal a renewed effort to improve productivity while protecting farmers from fraudulent agricultural inputs.
Also Read: Punarnava Jal – The world’s first organic fertilizer! Know how it is beneficial for farmers?
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