In what ways could the Draft Seeds Bill encourage private monopoly, and what might be the long-term effects on farmers and agricultural diversity?

The Draft Seeds Bill aims to regulate the quality, sale, and distribution of seeds in India. However, several farmer organizations, including Kisan Sabha, argue that certain provisions could promote private monopoly and negatively impact farmers and agricultural diversity. Here’s how the Bill could shape the seed market and its long-term effects:

• Increased Role of Private Companies: The Bill allows private seed companies to register and sell seeds with less stringent regulations. This can lead to dominance by large corporations, reducing the space for public sector and traditional seed varieties.
• High Cost of Seeds: Private companies may control the supply and pricing of seeds. This could make seeds more expensive for farmers, especially small and marginal ones, increasing their dependence on the market.
• Restriction on Farmer’s Rights: Although the Bill allows farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds, these rights are limited if the seeds are not up to the prescribed standards. This can restrict traditional practices and seed autonomy.
• Threat to Indigenous Varieties: The focus on certified and high-yield varieties may discourage the use of indigenous and traditional seeds. Over time, this can reduce crop diversity and make agriculture more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change.
• Possible Legal Issues for Farmers: If farmers sell seeds that do not meet the quality standards set by the Bill, they could face penalties. This may discourage them from sharing or exchanging seeds within the community.
• Impact on Public Sector Research: The dominance of private companies might reduce investment and innovation in public sector breeding programs, which are essential for developing region-specific and resilient crops.