Punjab Nursery Act amendment ensures virus-free plants for farmers

Punjab E News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has introduced amendments to the Punjab Nursery Act, ensuring high-quality, virus-free plants for farmers and supporting agricultural growth in the state. 

Known for his focus on agriculture, CM Mann has rolled out various initiatives to boost farmers’ incomes and improve plant and seed quality. This latest amendment marks the second update to the Punjab Nursery Act since its establishment in 1961. Under the revised rules, nursery owners must now cultivate virus-free plants, a measure aimed at safeguarding crop health.

Registered horticultural nurseries have been given a two-year timeline to comply with these new standards and establish virus-free plants in mother plant and rootstock nurseries for farmers. 

Additionally, nursery owners must now arrange for inspections of their plants, and it is mandatory for them to obtain a subscriber license. The Seed Act of 1966 (Central Act 54, 1966) will regulate the source and quality of these seeds to maintain consistency.

Registration Requirements for Horticultural Nurseries

All horticultural nurseries, excluding certain cross-bred or self-regulated plant varieties, are now required to register with the Certification Unit (CU). The registration fee is set at Rs. 1,000, payable to the Seed Certification Agency. For new licenses or license renewals, nursery owners must complete and submit Form-10.

Following registration, the Seed Certification Agency will issue a certification to licensed nurseries, which must be displayed prominently at the nursery. Periodic inspections will be conducted in accordance with Forms-11, 12, and 13, and a fee of Rs. 5,000 will be charged per seed inspection to ensure compliance.