DRAFT PESTICIDES MANAGEMENT BILL

News: The Union Agriculture Ministry has released a Draft Pesticides Management Bill and invited public feedback. The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the old Insecticides Act, 1968 and create a modern regulatory framework for pesticides in India.

Why Was a New Law Needed?

Problems with the Old Law (Insecticides Act, 1968)

• Focused mainly on insecticides, not all pesticides
• Outdated in the context of: Modern chemicals and biotechnology, Environmental protection
• Weak provisions on: Farmer safety

Objective of the Draft Pesticides Management Bill

• Ensure availability of safe and effective pesticides
• Minimise risks to living beings, Non-target organisms, Environment
• Promote biological and traditional knowledge-based pesticides
• Strengthen regulation across the entire pesticide lifecycle

The Bill defines pesticide as:

• Any chemical or biological substance used to prevent, destroy, repel or control pests
• Includes substances used as: Plant growth regulators, Defoliants, Desiccants, Fruit thinning agents, Sprouting inhibitors
• Includes substances applied before or after harvest

Institutional Framework under the Bill

• Central Pesticides Board (CPB) to advise Central and State governments
• Registration Committee appointed by the Union government powers to grant registration certificates, specify conditions of registration, periodically review safety and efficacy

Penal Provisions (Stricter than Earlier Law)

For violations causing death or grievous hurt, punishment includes:

• Imprisonment up to 5 years
• Fine between ₹10 lakh and ₹50 lakh
• Or both

Importance

• Farmer safety
• Environmental protection
• Better export compliance