Chaired by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the session brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and regulatory authorities, to deliberate on critical issues impacting pesticide production, distribution, and usage across India.

The meeting underscored the growing challenges of ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability in pesticide usage, which is central to India’s agricultural success. Several pressing concerns were addressed during the discussions, and a series of actionable recommendations were proposed for the government’s consideration.

One major concern raised was the proliferation of spurious pesticides, which compromise crop yields and erode farmers’ trust. Delegates recommended enhanced enforcement mechanisms, including surprise inspections and the introduction of traceability systems to ensure product authenticity. Another pressing issue was the presence of unregistered and duplicate pesticides in local markets. Participants advocated for stricter penalties, centralized monitoring, and robust registration processes to curb these practices.

The meeting also highlighted the excessive use of chemical pesticides, which often leads to residues exceeding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Stakeholders called for increased farmer education on correct pesticide application, promoting biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to reduce dependency on chemicals. Similarly, gaps in farmer awareness were discussed, with recommendations to employ digital platforms, mass media campaigns, and localized outreach programs to better educate rural communities.

Sampling inaccuracies and the limited availability of pesticide testing laboratories were also debated. It was proposed that standardized sampling procedures, enhanced training for personnel, and the establishment of advanced testing labs in every state, especially in high-production agricultural zones, could significantly improve the quality assessment process. The role of public-private partnerships in developing infrastructure was also emphasized.

New KYC norms for pesticide sales emerged as another critical focus area. Participants suggested digitizing these processes and integrating them with centralized regulatory databases to ensure compliance. To address inconsistencies between central and state governments in implementing pesticide-related schemes, the meeting proposed a unified framework with state-specific accountability metrics.

Illegal pesticide imports and data protection challenges were also deliberated upon. Strengthening customs enforcement, border surveillance, and adherence to national data protection laws were deemed essential to safeguarding the domestic market and securing the integrity of pesticide registration data. Additionally, the delays in patenting and registering innovative pesticide molecules were noted, with calls for fast-tracking approval processes to encourage innovation.

Finally, the implementation of the Insecticides Act, 1968, was reviewed. Regular inspections of manufacturing units and transparent reporting mechanisms were suggested to uphold quality standards. Participants also advocated for updates to the Act to address emerging challenges effectively.

The comprehensive discussions concluded with the government assuring stakeholders that these recommendations would be taken into account for prompt action and implementation. This collaborative effort between the Ministry and industry representatives reflects a shared commitment to creating a safer, more sustainable future for Indian agriculture.

Source: krishi Jagat