One science, one Intent, and one Law: How reforms can propel India’s seed sector to global prominence? Part 2

In continuation of the previous column, India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, Viksit Bharat, hinges on its ability to harness scientific innovation across all sectors. While the country eagerly embraces cutting-edge technologies in areas like clean energy and transportation, its approach to agricultural innovation, particularly in the seed sector, appears regressive and inconsistent. The second and concluding part focuses on why India must adopt a unified and science-based approach towards policymaking to propel the nation forward towards a US $5 trillion economy.

One nation one intent: Aligning policies and regulations between the centre and states

The lack of alignment between the central and state governments is another significant obstacle to India’s progress. The central government’s keenness on a decriminalisation drive through the Jan Vishwas Act is a positive step towards creating a more business-friendly environment. However, some States are moving in the opposite direction with their own legislations, creating confusion and uncertainty for businesses operating across state borders.
Similarly, while the central government promotes research and development in agriculture, some States are not providing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Confined Field Trials of genetically modified (GM) crops. This lack of support not only hinders the development of new and improved crop varieties but also undermines the central government’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. To address these challenges, India must adopt the principle of “One Nation One Intent.” By aligning the policies and regulations of the central and state governments, India can create a more cohesive and supportive environment for businesses and farmers.

One nation one law: Uniform implementation of legal frameworks

The Seeds Act of 1966 establishes the legal requirements for seeds sold in India. It mandates the use of truthfully labelled seeds, which is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of seeds that farmers purchase. By setting these standards, the Act aims to protect farmers from substandard seeds and promote the growth of the agricultural sector. However, the inconsistent adoption of this central legal framework across different states poses a significant obstacle to India’s progress. Some states are impeding the implementation of these provisions based on unfounded rationales, which deprives farmers of access to high-quality seeds and hinders the overall growth of the agricultural sector. This lack of uniformity in enforcing the Seeds Act creates confusion and uncertainty for seed companies operating across state borders, making it difficult for them to comply with varying regulations.

To address this challenge, India must adopt the principle of “One Nation One Law.” By streamlining legal frameworks across the country, India can create a more consistent and predictable environment for businesses and farmers. This streamlining should involve a thorough review of existing laws and regulations related to seeds, with a focus on removing unnecessary barriers and promoting ease of doing business. Implementing “One Nation One Law” for seeds would mean that all states adhere to the same set of rules and regulations set forth by the Seeds Act of 1966. This would ensure that farmers across the country have access to high-quality, truthfully labelled seeds, regardless of their location. By adopting the principle of “One Nation One Law”, India can create a more consistent and predictable environment for businesses and farmers. This would enhance ease of legal compliance for the seed companies, allowing them to operate more efficiently and invest more in research and development to bring innovative seed varieties to the market.

One nation one license: Enhancing ease of doing business

The concept of streamlining processes and creating a more cohesive environment is gaining traction in India, as evidenced by the consideration of “One Nation One Subscription” and “One Nation One Election.” These initiatives aim to simplify and standardize processes across the country, fostering a more unified approach to governance and administration. However, the same principle of unity and simplification has not been applied to the agricultural sector, particularly when it comes to seed licensing. Just as “One Nation One Subscription” and “One Nation One Election” are being considered, the idea of “One Nation One License” for seeds deserves serious attention. As different States are imposing additional requirements, increasing the cost and complexity of doing business, especially for genuine players.

So, to significantly enhance Ease of Doing Business ranking, it is imperative to adopt the principle of “One Nation One License.” Simplifying and standardizing licensing processes across the country would mitigate the cumbersome regulatory environment currently faced by businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector. Currently, varied licensing requirements across states create a complex tapestry of regulations that businesses must navigate, increasing operational costs and complicating compliance. This inconsistency can deter both domestic and international investors, who favor stability and predictability.

By implementing a “One Nation One License” system, India would ensure a uniform set of rules for all states, thereby reducing bureaucratic burdens and fostering a more competitive business environment. This reform should include a comprehensive review of existing licensing requirements, aimed at eliminating outdated or redundant regulations that hinder business efficiency. This approach would not only streamline operations but also foster a more predictable regulatory landscape conducive to investment and innovation. Ultimately, a unified licensing approach would not only enhance India’s attractiveness as a business destination but also support its agricultural innovations, ensuring that innovations can reach the market more swiftly and efficiently.

India’s progress in science, agriculture, and business depends on a unified approach. The double engines pulling in opposite directions must be synchronized to propel the nation forward. By embracing unified and science-backed approaches, India can unlock its true potential and pave the way to become a truly prominent player in seed sector globally.