How can the government ensure the quality and safety of seeds and pesticides in the agricultural sector to prevent the sale of substandard products?

To ensure the quality and safety of seeds and pesticides in the agricultural sector and prevent the sale of substandard products, the government can take the following actions:

• Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Implement and monitor compliance with seed and pesticide quality standards through regular inspections.
• Licensing and Certification: Mandate licensing for manufacturers and dealers, ensuring only certified products reach farmers.
• Random Sampling and Testing: Conduct random sampling and laboratory testing of seeds and pesticides in the market.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educate farmers about identifying genuine products and reporting suspicious inputs.
• Penalties and Legal Action: Impose strict penalties on violators to deter the sale of substandard products.
• Digital Tracking: Use technology for tracking the supply chain and ensuring traceability of agricultural inputs.

These measures, as emphasized by the Agriculture Minister, are crucial to protect farmers and boost agricultural productivity.