Industry Body Flags Concern Over Proposed Pesticides Bill

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• An industry body of pesticide manufacturers has urged the Union Agriculture Secretary to bring in targeted changes in the draft Pesticides Management Bill to ensure farmers get faster access to effective crop protection technologies.

About

• 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.
• Concerns of Stakeholders: 
  • It called for inclusion of a time-bound Protection of Regulatory Data (PRD) framework for new molecules and new uses. 
  • Bringing new use to India requires major investment in safety, efficacy, residue and environmental data. 
  • Without a clear framework governing how that data is used, there is limited incentive to introduce newer technologies early in the Indian market. 
  • The association has therefore proposed a limited, time-bound PRD framework of about five years from first registration, which would create a more predictable pathway for newer solutions to reach farmers faster.

Major Features of the Bill

• 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: TH