RAS question
The Seed Act 2026 mandates which technology on every seed packet for traceability?
Correct answer: (B) QR codes.
The Seed Act 2026 mandates QR codes on every seed packet so farmers can trace the seed's origin and supply chain.
Explanation
The Seed Act 2026 uses QR codes as the traceability tool on seed packets. The PIB release says every seed packet will carry a QR code which, when scanned, lets farmers access information about where the seed was produced, which dealer supplied it, and who sold it. That is why QR codes, not another tagging system, are the answer: the measure is tied to a nationwide seed traceability system meant to identify fake or poor-quality seeds quickly and bring accountability into the seed market. The Act also modernises the older 1966 law, which belonged to an era without advanced technology or data systems.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) RFID tags are not the mandated packet-level traceability method under the Seed Act 2026; the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare names QR codes.
- (C) Barcodes would be a different labelling technology, but the stated Seed Act 2026 measure is a QR code on every seed packet for origin details.
- (D) Blockchain stamps are not part of the official release; the traceability system described relies on QR codes and digital records.
Concept
This tests agricultural market regulation and digital traceability in seed quality control. It recurs in RAS because seed quality, farmer protection and technology-backed accountability are regular themes in economy and agriculture current affairs.