Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Saturday to express his government’s opposition to the proposed Seed Bill, 2026, and discuss several other state-related issues, officials said. The Bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mann strongly criticised the Bill, saying it could undermine traditional farming practices in Punjab. “After the Act comes into effect, private companies may dictate which seeds we should buy. In Punjab, farmers traditionally save seeds for the next sowing season. Private companies cannot dictate to us,” Mann said. He added that Shah assured him the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities.
Punjab had not submitted its official feedback earlier but reportedly sent a formal letter to the Centre on Saturday opposing the Bill. While the legislation seeks to replace the Indian Seed Act, 1966, and the Seed (Control) Order, 1983, its opponents claim it could harm small farmers and undermine traditional seed systems. The Bill mandates registration, VCU (Value for Cultivation and Use) testing for all seed varieties, and QR-code traceability on seed packets. It also proposes strict penalties, including fines up to Rs 30 lakh and imprisonment of up to three years for violations.
Other Issues Raised by CM Mann
During the meeting, Mann also discussed border-related concerns, including the placement of barbed-wire fencing along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. He highlighted that agricultural lands fall within the current buffer zone, requiring farmers to carry ID cards and be accompanied by BSF personnel to access their fields. Mann requested that the restricted zone be reduced from 2 km to 300 meters to free up farmland. Shah reportedly acknowledged the issue and said it was under consideration.
Mann also brought up the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, stressing that Punjab has no water to share with other states and suggesting the matter should be resolved through dialogue.
The Chief Minister addressed administrative concerns as well, urging faster clearance of foodgrain stocks from godowns to make space for the upcoming wheat procurement of 125 MT, and resolution of pending commission dues for commission agents. He also proposed maintaining a 60:40 officer posting ratio between Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh, particularly recommending that the Food Corporation of India’s General Manager be selected from Punjab. Shah agreed to consider a panel of three officers from which one would be chosen.
Additionally, Mann raised the issue of pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues of Rs 8,500 crore, stressing the need to build rural roads to facilitate grain transport. He said Shah assured prompt action and release of the first instalment after discussions with officers.
On the controversy surrounding Delhi AAP leader Atishi’s video, Mann stated that the Delhi Assembly could seek a CBI investigation but emphasised that forensic findings and court directions had cleared her of wrongdoing. He urged the BJP to allow the investigation to follow proper legal channels rather than politicise the matter.
The meeting underscores Punjab’s proactive approach in voicing its concerns on agricultural, administrative, and infrastructure issues ahead of the parliamentary session.
