Regulatory Challenges in Agricultural Supply Chain – A Focus on Seed Distribution Contracts

Abstract India’s agricultural sector, though rich in potential, faces several institutional and operational hurdles—particularly in the domain of seed distribution. This study investigates the regulatory challenges within the agricultural supply chain by focusing on seed distribution contracts, which are central to crop productivity, farmer rights, and supply chain transparency. Using both primary survey data and legal analysis, the research highlights widespread issues such as lack of farmer awareness, inconsistent enforcement of laws, biased contracts, and ineffective dispute resolution mechanisms. The study finds that most farmers engage in informal agreements, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by large seed firms. Furthermore, weak regulatory oversight and poor access to legal remedies have deepened this imbalance. Through a mixed-method approach, this research not only assesses existing legislative frameworks like the Seeds Act and PPVFR Act but also offers actionable recommendations to enhance legal literacy, contract fairness, and policy enforcement. The findings aim to inform policymakers, seed companies, and farming communities on how to create a more equitable and transparent seed distribution ecosystem. Keywords Agricultural Supply Chain, Seed Distribution, Contract Farming, Regulatory Framework, Farmers’ Rights, Seed Laws, Dispute Resolution, Legal Literacy, Contract Enforcement, Seeds Act, PPVFR Act, Agricultural Policy, Seed Contracts, Rural Governance.