ANNEXURE -I

TASK FORCE TEAMS: CONTROL OF FAKE/SPURIOUS

SEEDS AND UNAPPROVED HT COTTON IN TELANGANA
Standard Operating Procedures
1. Task Force teams for control of spurious seeds and
unapproved HT cotton are constituted involving officials of
Department of Agriculture, Seed Certification, Seeds
Corporation and Department of Police.
2. TASK FORCE TEAMS: Two to Five Task Force teams are
constituted in all the districts.
3. QUALITY SEED: The seed possessing minimum quality
standards i.e. germination, seed moisture content, physical
purity and genetic purity etc.
4. HOW TO ENSURE SEED QUALITY: Quality Seed is the
foundation for productive agriculture. It must be produced,
processed and packed properly for better yield and higher
income for the farmers. The seed quality assurance involves
rigorous monitoring of quality at various stages viz.,
production, processing, testing, storage, transit,
distribution and marketing.
5. SEED PRODUCTION: In our country, three generations
system of seed multiplication namely breeder seed (Golden
yellow tag), foundation seed (White tag) and certified seeds (
Azure blue tag) / labelled seed (Opal green) are followed to
provides adequate safeguards for quality assurance in the
seed multiplication. It flows from the breeder to the farmer
through these generations.
Breeder Seed Foundation Seed Certified
Seed/Labelled Seed
(Breeder seed is source for foundation seed and foundation
seed is source for certified or labelled seed)
6. CERTIFIED SEEDS/ LABELLED SEEDS: The certified
seeds/labelled seeds are sold to the farmers for commercial
cultivation.
• Certified Seeds (CS) are marketed with Azure blue tags
(certified by certification authority)
 • Labelled seeds (LS) are marketed with Opal green label
(Not certified by certification agency but quality declared
by seed producers)

7. FAKE / SPURIOUS /SUB STANDARD SEEDS:

• Not produced as per the standard seed production
procedures
• Not having field history and records
• Not meeting the seed standards like germination,
purity, moisture etc
• Duplication and misbranding of popular varieties
• Cross purchases from seed growers of reputed
companies
• Not possessing authentic tags / labels
• Selling of GRAIN as SEED
• Every container (i.e. bag, pouch, box, tin etc.) of seeds
should be properly labelled
• The seed producer (public/private companies) is
responsible for the information on the Label as per the
law
8. HT cotton Seeds: These are the cotton seeds containing
unapproved herbicide tolerant gene in general referred as
BG-III, which are not approved by the Govt. of India for
cultivation. The production and sale of such seeds is illegal
in our country. The all cotton seed producing and selling
producers/dealers have to state that there cotton seeds are
free of HT gene.
9. PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION OF THE PREMISES OF
SEED PROCESSING PLANTS, SEED STORAGE GODOWNS
(Including COLD STOARGES) AND DEALER POINTS
A. Inspection
• Verification of licence issued in form B or form C
(renewal)
• Verify the authorisation certificate issued by the Seed
Certification Authority
• Verification of the stock registers maintained for whole
sale and retail seed stocks along with in-voices and
delivery challans and stock entries
 • Verify the actual stock with book balance (crop and
variety wise)
• Verify the records of expired seed stock if any
• Verify the stock position depicted on stock board for
whole sale and retail purposes
• Verify the cash/credit bills in the prescribed format and
availability of crop and variety, lot no, and signature of
seller and purchaser
• Prepare the inspection report duly recording the
rectifiable and non-rectifiable contraventions
• Draw the samples as per the prescribed procedures by
the concerned MAO and send the samples to the notified
Seed Testing Laboratory.
B. The Task Force Teams may take action as follows

• Enter and search of all the points premises where the

seed is stored , being sold, offer for sale to ensure
compliance to the provisions of seed laws
• Examine records/registers/documents or any other
materials connected
• May seize/detain the seed, if he/she has reasons to
believe that the violation is committed as per Seeds
Act,1966.
C. While Drawing Seed Sample: Whenever team intends to take
sample of any seed of any crop or variety for analysis, he/she
shall –
• Issue notice in prescribed format while taking the sample
and draw the samples as per the prescribed procedures.
10. INSPECTION POINTS/PLACES
A. Seed Processing Plants:
• Check for authorisation of seed processing plant
• Check for Crop, Variety and Class wise identity of the
seed lots
• Check for Lot numbers, No. of containers & Quantity
• Check for Quantity Unprocessed Seed, Cleaned Seed
and Packed Seed
• Check for entry of seed lots in Stock registers with
Grower Name & Address
 • Check for Processing, Sampling, Guard samples, Seed
Testing Reports from either in house or by notified lab
etc.
• Check for packing, tags/labels used, unused and
balance, if any

B. Seed Storage godowns /cold storages / Stock Points:

• Check for authorisation of the Seed storage godown
• Check for Crop, Variety, Class
• Check for Lot Numbers, No of containers & Quantity of
seed crop & class wise
• Verify entry of seed lots in the stock registers with
grower name & address
• Check for Quantity Unprocessed Seed, Cleaned Seed
and Packed Seed as per the stock register
C. Seed dealer/ Distributer:
• Verify the Seed License and its validity
• Verify the form-II or release order for sale of seed
• Check for Name board, Stock board, Price list, etc.
• Verify the bills, delivery challans & invoices
• Verify the ground balance with the book balance
• Check if any expiry seed stock are noticed during the
course of inspection and records

D. Transport Agencies
Verify..
• Details of seed stocks with Way bills
• Interstate seed movement details if any
11. OFFENCES:
(A) The minor offences like procedural lapses, clerical
mistakes, non-compliance to the time schedule etc., which
do not have any linkage to the supply of inferior quality seed
or non-compliance to labelling requirements, are categorized
as rectifiable offences.

Applicable
Sl.
Rectifiable contraventions Contraventions of action Section
No.
/ Clause
1 Non-display of license at a Terms and conditions no: I Issuance of
conspicuous place of Form – B Notice
2 Non-maintenance of book of Clause 18 (1) of Seeds Issuance of
accounts in the prescribed (Control) Order, 1983 Notice
format
3 Issuance of credit/ cash bill in Clause 9 of Seeds Issuance of
incomplete shape (Control) Order, 1983 Notice
4 Non-display of stock and price Clause 8 of Seeds Issuance of
list (Control) Order, 1983 Notice
5 Maintaining bill book and Instructions issued from Issuance of
register without seed inspectors time to time Notice
attestation
6 Non-seeking deletion of Terms and conditions no: Issuance of
premises from license, which is (iv) of Form – B Notice
not in use
7 Non furnishing of Form – D, Clause 18 (2) of Seeds Issuance of
Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 (Control) Order, 1983 Notice
8 Non – production of invoices as Clause 13 (a) Of Seeds Detention
per Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 (Control) Order, 1983
9 Non - production of certificate Clause 13 (1) (a) Of Seeds Detention
of source (Control) Order, 1983
10 Non – furnishing of required Clause 13 (1) (a) Of Seeds Detention
information (Control) Order, 1983
11 Conduct of business after Clause 7 Of Seeds Detention
expiry of license within grace (Control) Order, 1983
period
12 Selling of seed in damaged torn Section 7 of Seeds Act, Detention
out container Seeds (Control) 1996, Clause 8 A of Seeds
Order, 1983 (Control) Order, 1983
13 Stocking of seed without Instructions issued from Detention
possessing certificate of source time to time
14 Non-incorporation of premises Terms and conditions no: Detention
in use for sale and storage, in (iv) of Form - B
license
 (B) The offenses of higher magnitude which have already
caused damage to the interest of farmers or may cause
similar damage to the productivity of that particular crop
due to inferior quality seed are categorized as non-rectifiable
irregularities:

Sl. Non Rectifiable Applicable action

Contraventions of
No. contraventions Section/Clause

1 Selling of spurious Section of Seeds of Act, Clause Seizure

(genetically impure) / 8 A of Seeds (Control) Order,
substandard seed 1983

2 Selling of expired seed Section of Seeds of Act, Clause Seizure

(check validity & 8 A of Seeds (Control) Order,
revalidation) 1983

3 Selling of seed without Clause 3 (1) of Seeds (Control) Seizure

license Order, 1983

4 Selling of illegal Bt cotton Rule 7,8,9 & 10 of Rules for Seizure

seed/ HT cotton seed the manufacture, use / import
/ export and storage of
hazardous microorganism /
genetically engineered
organisms or cells, 1989

5 Selling of Bt cotton seed Rule 13 of Rules for the Seizure

without complying to manufacture, use / import /
GEAC terms and export and storage of
conditions for commercial hazardous microorganism /
release/ HT cotton seed genetically engineered
organisms or cells, 1989

6 Business of fly-by-night Clause 3 (1) of Seeds (Control) Seizure

operators Order, 1983
 THE AREAS WHERE THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SHALL TAKE ACTION FOR
CONTROLLING SPURIOUS SEEDS
Sl. Nature of Offence Action that can be taken by Action that can be taken by Cognizable On whose complaint the police to
No. Agriculture Department the Police Department Non register the case
(on complaint) cognizable
Contravention Punishment Contravention Punishment
1 Selling of substandard Section 7 of Section 19 of Seeds Clause 8 A of Section 7 of Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
seed of any crop i.e., Seeds Act, Act, 1966 First Seeds (Control) Essential Seed Inspector, i.e., Mandal
less standard than Clause 8 A of Offence: Rs.500/- Order, 1983 Commodities Agricultural Officer / Assistant
prescribed like Seeds (Control) fine Act 1955 Director of Agriculture, two
a. Less Genetic Purity Order, 1983 Separate cases can be filed but
b. Less Physical Purity ultimately two cases will be tried
c. Less Germination together by one court like case
under section 138 N. Act and case
filed by Police under Section 420
IPC
2 Selling of date expired Section 7 of Section 19 of Seeds Dealer is selling expired stock Cognizable On the complaint of concerned Seed
seed Seeds Act, Act, 1966 First having known that it is expired, Inspectors i.e., Mandal Agricultural
Clause 8 A of Proceedings under hence it is cheating activity. (PC Officer / Assistant Director
Seeds (Control) EC Act 420 and Section 7 of EC Act Agriculture or anyone could move
Order, 1983 1955Rs.500/- fine 1955. (bailable) Upto 7 years criminal law into motion, 2002 (2)
imprisonment) ALT (Cri) P.198.
3 Selling of any / all types Clause 3 (1) of 6A Proceedings Under Clause 3(1) Section 7 of Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
of Seed without license Seeds (Control) EC Act 1955 Seeds (Control) Essential Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
Order 1983 Order, 1983 Commiditees Agricultural Officer / Assistant
Act 1955 Director Agriculture (R) on the
Complaint of anyone or suo-moto.

4 Selling of seed by Section 6(b) and 7 Section 19 of Seeds IPC 487 (punishment with Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
Companies / dealers (c) of 1966 Act 1966 imprisonment for 3 years, Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
with incorrect labelling (bailable0 IPC 420 (IPC 120 (B) Agricultural Officer / Assistant
section 7EC Act 1955 Director Agriculture (R)
5 Misrepresentation / Rule 10 of Section 19 of IPC 420, IPC 487, IPC 120 (B) Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
misleading Seed Seeds Act. Section 7 of EC Act 1955 Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
statements on Label Rules 1966 Agricultural Officer / Assistant
with exaggerative 1968 Director (R)
Claims of yield etc.
6 Labelling of - - Punishable under Sections 420, Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
imaginary names of 488, 471, 487 of IPC Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
product without Agricultural Officer / Assistant
there being such Director Agriculture (R) on the
authorized name complaint of anyone or suo-moto
and such variety of
seed containing
unauthorized seed
7 Selling of loose seed, Section 7 of Seeds Section 19 of Seeds Contravention of Rule EP Rules Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
torn out containers Act 1966 Act. 1966 1989, Punishable Under Section as per Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
in case of Cotton 15 (1) of Environmental Protection Schedule II Agricultural Officer / Assistant
Seeds Act 1986 Punishable with five of Cr. P.C. Director Agriculture (R)
years imprisonment
8 Business of fly-by- Directors order by District Collector or IPC 420, IPC 487, IPC 120 (B) Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
night Operators recommendation of JD Agriculture Section 7 of EC Act 1955 and 468 Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
district IPC Agricultural Officer / Assistant (R)
Director of Agriculture or on the
complaint of anyone or suo-moto.
9 Storing or offering to Rule 7 of EP Section 15 (1) IPC 420, IPC 487, 120 (B) & IPC Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
sale of selling or Rules 1989 Environment 468 Police need to register the Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
transporting illegal Protection Act. 1986 case on the complaint of the seed Agricultural Officer / Assistant
Bt Cotton Seed inspector and remand the Director Agriculture (R)
accused based on such
complaint.
10 Diversion of subsidy - - 409 IPC Cognizable On the complaint of concerned
seed for other Seed Inspectors i.e., Mandal
purposes. Agricultural Officer / Assistant
Director Agriculture or on the
complaint or anyone or suo-moto.
 SPECIFICATION FOR SEED TAG (For Certified Seeds)

Length : 15 cm
Breadth : 7.5 cm

Quality: It shall be made of durable material such as thick paper,

paper with cloth lining, wax coated paper, plastic coated paper etc.
Colour: Both sides shall be white for Foundation class, Azure blue for
Certified class and Opal green label for Truthfully Labelled seed.

Contents and Layout

TAG No………………….. CA’s CERTIFIED SEED
KIND…………………….. EMBLEM Class of seed………………..
Certificate No………………
Date of issue of
Variety……………………. Name & Certificate………………….
Address of Date of test…………………
Lot Certification
No……………………… Agency
“Use of the seed after expiry of the validity Certificate valid up
period by any person is entirely at his risk to……………………..
and the holder of the certificate shall not be (Provided seed is stored
responsible for any damage to the buyer of under cool and dry
seed. No one should purchase the seed if environment)
seal or the certification tag has been
tempered with” Validity of certificate
further extended upto
Name and Full Address of the Seed ………………………….
Producer……………………………………

N B: If tag is to be affixed on a smaller container then the size of the tag

may be reduced proportionately. However, length and breadth ratio
and contents would remain the same.
 SPECIFICATION FOR SEED LABEL (For labelled Seeds)

1. The length and breadth of the label should be 15 cm x 10 cm

2. The contents of the label should be as follows;
i. Label No.......
ii. Crop: ......
iii. Variety:......
iv. Lot No. ....
v. Date, Month & Year of test.....
vi. Valid up to.......
vii. Germination (min):...
viii. Physical purity (min)......
ix. Genetic Purity (in case of variety) (min)..........
x. Weight ...........
x a. Recommended for cultivation – name of the states or union territories and season
x b. Adaptability of the variety- Areas
xi. Name of the chemical used for seed treatment, if seed is treated
xii. Name and address of the person who offers for sale, sells or otherwise supplies
the seed