Chandigarh: The Haryana government has been planning to introduce the ‘Haryana Horticulture Nurseries Bill, 2025’ in the ongoing budget session of the Vidhan Sabha. The aim of the bill is to regulate horticulture nurseries and make the quality of planting material better. The proposed law is set to ban the sale of plants and plant materials with unknown origins or those infected with pests and diseases. All the nursery owners will have to register their nurseries if they cultivate fruits, vegetables, spices, condiments, flowers, ornamental plants, or medicinal and aromatic crops.
Currently, the Haryana Fruit Nursery Act, 1961 governs nurseries, but it only covers fruit nurseries. The new bill addresses the lack of quality control for other horticulture nurseries, which has led to the spread of substandard and disease-prone plants.
Under the new law, nursery owners must obtain a license within six months of the Act’s commencement. A government-appointed official (not below the rank of additional director) will oversee the process. Each nursery must have a separate license, valid for five years.
Nursery owners can sell varieties developed by state horticulture universities, ICAR, or private seed companies. Imported fruit plants must have an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate. If found infected, such plants must be quarantined or destroyed.
The state government thinks that the bill is likely to make farmers’ economically sound, improving crop quality and preventing plants from pests and diseases.
