Reported by: Humayun Kabir Khokan

Written by: Eshan Maitra

The cabinet finalized the approval of Seed Law 2017, at the parliament meeting yesterday. That will result in jail & fine for the violators of this law, who would supply lesser quality seeds to the farmers. The meeting was hosted by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This new law makes it mandatory for the Seed Dealers to be registered under the new National Seed Board, said Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam at the press-conference right after the parliamentary meeting. Anyone will be allowed to file a case after applying to a Seed Inspector.

He further adds that, anyone who tries to interrupt the work of a Seed Inspector, will be fined for 50 thousand taka & will serve 90 days in prison. Again, anyone accused of supplying poor quality seeds will be fined of 500 taka at first first-degree violation. For committing the crime again, the accused will be both fined of 500 taka and will go to jail for 30 days

Shafiul Alam also said that, the new National Seed Board will be formed consisting 25 members. The Minister of Agriculture will be appointed as the Chairman of this board. Also, the board have to get together for half-yearly mandatory meeting.