Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets Amit Shah to oppose Seed Act 2025, raises concerns over small farmers, traditional seed practices, SYL dispute, rice storage, and rural development fund.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice strong opposition against the newly proposed Seed Act 2025, citing concerns that it could disproportionately favor private companies and burden small farmers. The Chief Minister also raised critical issues related to the SYL water dispute, rice storage, and rural development funds. Amit Shah assured that the government would consider Punjab’s concerns seriously.
During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Mann emphasized that the new Seed Act would grant private corporations the authority to decide which seeds could be sown, potentially disrupting traditional seed preservation practices that have long been followed by Punjab’s farmers. “No company should have the authority to dictate which seeds we can plant or save for the next season,” he stated.
Concerns Over Impact on Small Farmers and Traditional Practices
The Seed Act 2025, which is set to be presented in the upcoming Budget session, has already faced criticism from agricultural organizations across India. While the government claims the legislation ensures the availability of high-quality seeds and prevents the sale of substandard or counterfeit seeds, opponents argue that the mandatory registration, VCU (Value for Cultivation and Use) testing, and QR code traceability provisions will primarily benefit large corporations. Small farmers and informal seed custodians may face additional burdens, with inadequate compensation mechanisms in place for crop losses caused by faulty seeds.
“The bill favors corporate interests while risking local seed diversity,” said CM Mann. He pointed out that under the new Act, farmers would need to approach courts for compensation, a process that is costly and time-consuming.
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Other Issues Raised with Amit Shah
Apart from the Seed Act, CM Bhagwant Mann discussed several other pressing issues during his meeting with the Home Minister:
SYL Dispute: Mann urged for a permanent resolution, stating that Punjab cannot spare even a drop of water for other states without proper agreements.
Rice Storage: He highlighted the accumulation of rice in Punjab’s warehouses, warning that without clearing storage by April, wheat storage could become challenging.
Commission Issues: Mann requested meetings with trader unions to resolve blocked commission payments.
Employee Ratios: He demanded a 60:40 ratio for Punjab and Haryana employees in Chandigarh UT administration, pointing out widespread resentment caused by neglecting this allocation.
Rural Development Fund: Mann emphasized that the pending ₹8,500 crore rural development fund should be released promptly for infrastructure development, especially rural roads connecting mandis.
Border Fencing: The CM Bhagwant Mann proposed extending the barbed wire fence along the Pakistan border by 200 meters to save thousands of acres of farmland and reduce farmer hardships.
Amit Shah reportedly assured the Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann that all issues would be addressed seriously, with priority given to pending fund releases and administrative matters.
CM Bhagwant Mann concluded, “Punjab is asserting its rights; we are not asking for charity. Farmers’ interests, traditional seed practices, and state resources must be protected.”
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