A large rice stalk is seen in a paddy field in Southwest China's Chongqing, Sept 24, 2021. [Photo/IC]

People will face heavier criminal punishments if they produce or sell fake seeds to seriously disturb the seed market and hinder the industrial health development, China's top court has said.

On Wednesday the Supreme People's Court issued guidelines on harshly punishing seed-related crimes, saying that the move is to effectively protect the legitimate rights of seed growers and maintain the country's safety of seed resources.

The guidelines also urge courts nationwide to strengthen the fight against those who falsify seed trademarks, adding that people who illegally collect germplasm resources also need to be given tougher punishment.

But the guidance also highlights the prudence of criminal punishment, saying that the seriousness of an offense and what role a defendant plays in a joint crime should be fully considered when giving a sentence.