Breeder's have a monopoly in seed transactions under the proposed plant variety legislation
For breeders alone
UNDER the Plant Variety Bill, a breeder gets exclusive right to produce, sell, market, import and export seeds for 15 years after the date of registration and 18 years in case of trees and vines. A breeder can license the right over the variety. <>
These rights will also extend to varieties that are already registered under the Seeds Act, 1966, with retrospective effect from 1984, to prevent other countries from acquiring rights over seeds already released in India. <>
Exemptions have been granted to researchers so that they can get "free and complete access to protected material". Farmers retain their traditional right to sell and exchange seeds. <>
The breeder will have to provide seeds and propagating material to the public in reasonable quantities and at reasonable prices. The government may license anybody to produce or sell the variety. It can also impose compulsory licensing. Licenses may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance, if they are against the public interest.
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