Maharashtra to Draft New Seeds Act Amid Soybean Germination Crisis

The Maharashtra agriculture department has initiated the drafting of the 'Maharashtra Seeds Act, 2026' in response to a severe agricultural crisis involving poor soybean germination. The issue, which has impacted approximately 6,450 hectares of farmland, has triggered widespread distress among farmers who faced significant financial losses due to substandard seed quality. In a move to enforce accountability, the state government has already registered 56 First Information Reports (FIRs) against various seed companies accused of supplying defective products. The proposed legislation aims to bridge critical legislative gaps in the existing regulatory framework. Currently, farmers often face protracted legal battles and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking compensation for crop failure caused by faulty inputs. The new Act is expected to streamline the grievance redressal mechanism, mandate stricter quality control standards for seed manufacturers, and ensure that compensation is disbursed to affected farmers in a timely and transparent manner. By strengthening the state's oversight, the government intends to curb the influence of unscrupulous players in the agricultural supply chain and protect the interests of the farming community.