Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• The Agriculture Ministry released the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, seeking public comments on the legislation that aims to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
  • It aims to combat the growing menace of spurious pesticides and strengthening farmer welfare through stricter regulation and the use of technology.

Major Features

• Central Pesticides Board (CPB): It shall be constituted within a period of six months from the date of commencement of this Act.
  • It is an apex regulatory body, providing scientific and technical guidance.
• Registration Committee: To be constituted within a period of six months from the date of commencement of this Act, it is a specialized panel to handle applications and decisions regarding pesticide registrations.
• Reform-oriented measures: It includes the use of technology and digital processes to streamline regulatory procedures. 
• Pesticide Registration: 
  • Mandatory digital registration for anyone intending to import or manufacture pesticides.
  • Registration decisions are based on safety, efficacy, and necessity.
• Licenses and Compliance: 
  • Licensing required for manufacturing, selling, stocking, displaying, transporting, or undertaking pesticide-related commercial operations.
  • Licensing Officers empowered to grant, amend, suspend, or cancel licenses.
  • Detailed obligations for licensees, including record-keeping and compliance with infrastructure and safety norms.
• Review, Suspension, and Cancellation: 
  • Registration and licenses can be reviewed or revoked if pesticides pose unacceptable risks or if conditions of registration/licensing are violated.
  • Products may be banned following formal cancellation procedures.
• Enforcement and Monitoring:
  • Pesticide inspectors and licensing officers have powers to enforce compliance.
  • State Governments must provide periodic reports.
  • The Central Government can require data and take action to enforce law provisions.
• Penalties: The draft allows state-level authorities to impose higher penalties in cases of compounding offences, strengthening enforcement at the local level.

Significance

• The Bill modernizes pesticide governance by:
  • Introducing digital processes for registration and licensing.
  • Strengthening regulatory oversight and safety protocols.
  • Creating clear institutional structures for decision-making.
  • Focusing on environmental and human health protection.

Source: PIB