Seeds Act, 2004.

This Act provides for the control and improvement of the quality of seeds. The Act consists of 10 Chapters divided into 48 sections. The Central Government and the State Governments shall establish, as provided for in Chapter II, the Central Seed Committee (sects. 3 to 5), which shall specify the minimum limits of germination, purity, seed health, etc., and the State Seed Laboratory (sect. 11). Chapter III provides for the procedures for the registration of all kinds and varieties of seeds (sects. 12 to 14) and also for transgenic varieties (sect. 15). Seed producers, seed processing units and seed dealers shall obtain a registration certificate from the State Government (sects. 21 to 24). Chapter IV provides for the regulation of the sale of seeds of registered kinds and varieties, and the establishment of State Seed Certification Agencies (sects. 26 to 30). As provided for in Chapter VI, the Central Government shall establish a Central Seed Testing Laboratory. Seed analysts shall be appointed under section 33 and seed inspectors under section 34. Powers of seed inspectors are outlined in section 35. Chapter VII deals with export and import of seeds. Chapters VIII to X contain penalty provisions, powers of the Central Government, and provisions of miscellaneous nature.