Seed and Sowing- The Indian Seed Act (1966)
It was enacted in 1966 and has been in force since Oct. 2, 1969 in all over states of India. This act aims at regulating the quality of seed sold for agricultural purpose through compulsory labeling and voluntary certification. Under compulsory labeling, any one selling the seed of a notified kind or variety, in the region for which it has been notified, should ensure that:
1. The seed confirms to the prescribed limits of germination purity.
2. The seed container is labeled in the prescribed manner, and
3. The label truly represents the quality of seed in the container.
Under voluntary certification, anyone interested in producing certified seed may do so by applying to the seed certification agency for the grant of certificate. The agency grants the certificate and certification tags after satisfying itself that the seed has been after satisfying itself that the seed has been produced according to the prescribed standards and procedures.
There are two bodies, viz., the central seed committee and the central seed certification board, which advise the central and the state governments in the matters related to the general administration of the seeds act and of seed certification, respectively.