Key Laws Governing Agriculture in India:

The Indian Contract Act, 1872
This law governs the contracts between farmers and agricultural companies or traders. It provides guidelines for agreements related to the sale and purchase of agricultural produce, ensuring transparency and fair practices.

The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
The government uses this law to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of essential agricultural products like food grains, vegetables, and other commodities. It helps control price volatility and ensures the availability of essential food items to the public.

The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, 1963
The APMC Act creates a framework for regulating agricultural markets. It ensures that farmers sell their produce in designated markets (mandis) through licensed traders, aiming to protect the interests of farmers and prevent exploitation. Recently, reforms in APMC laws have sought to allow farmers to sell directly to buyers and improve market access.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020
Also known as the Farm Laws, this act aims to provide farmers with the freedom to sell their produce to anyone and enter into contracts with private companies, eliminating the need to sell exclusively through government-regulated markets. It focuses on guaranteeing fair prices and facilitating contract farming.

The Seed Act, 1966
This law regulates the quality of seeds used in agriculture, ensuring that only certified seeds are sold to farmers. It helps improve productivity by promoting the use of quality seeds.

The Insecticides Act, 1968
The act ensures the regulation and control of the sale, distribution, and use of insecticides and pesticides. It aims to protect farmers and consumers from harmful chemicals and unsafe agricultural practices.

The National Food Security Act, 2013
This law aims to ensure food security by providing subsidized food grains to a large portion of the Indian population. It is designed to protect the poorest farmers and households from hunger.

The Land Acquisition Act, 2013
While not exclusive to agriculture, this law governs land acquisition for public purposes, including infrastructure projects that may affect agricultural land. It aims to safeguard the interests of farmers when their land is taken for development.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001
This act protects the rights of farmers who develop new plant varieties and promotes the use of indigenous seeds. It also provides for the protection of plant breeders’ rights to encourage innovation.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986
This law ensures the protection of the environment, regulating activities like agriculture-related pollution (e.g., pesticide runoff) and setting guidelines for sustainable farming practices.