RAS question
The Draft Seeds Bill 2025 requires what technology on seed packets for traceability?
Correct answer: (A) QR codes.
The Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 requires seed packets to bear a Quick Response Code, or QR code, generated through the Centralized Seed Traceability Portal.
Explanation
The answer is QR codes because the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 links packet-level traceability to a Centralized Seed Traceability Portal of the Central Government. The bill defines this portal as the Central Government portal for the traceability and tracking of seed production and distribution. It then requires the container of such seed to bear a Quick Response Code, or QR code, or another mark generated through that portal. This makes QR code the specific technology named in the draft for connecting a seed packet with the official traceability system. The point is not merely labelling; the code or mark is tied to the portal-based trail that identifies and tracks seeds through the regulated seed system.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) RFID tags are not the technology named in the cited draft provision, which specifies a Quick Response Code or other portal-generated mark on the seed container.
- (C) NFC chips are not mentioned in the source clause, so they cannot be the required traceability technology under this draft provision.
- (D) A barcode is different from the Quick Response Code named in the bill, and the cited provision specifically refers to QR codes generated through the Centralized Seed Traceability Portal.
Concept
This tests agricultural regulation within Indian Economy, especially how seed quality control is being linked to digital traceability. It recurs in RAS because seed regulation connects farmers, markets, compliance and technology-enabled governance.