Context:
The Union Agriculture Ministry has invited public feedback on the Pesticides Management Bill, 2020, which seeks to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and modernise India’s pesticide regulatory framework.
Key Highlights:
Objective of the Bill
- Ensure safe and effective pesticide use.
• Reduce risks to humans, animals, and environment.
• Promote biological and traditional pesticides.
Key Provisions
- Broad definition of pesticides, including:
– Pest control agents
– Plant growth regulators
– Storage protection chemicals - Establishment of Central Pesticides Board.
• Creation of a Registration Committee for:
– Registration
– Safety review
– National digital register - Strict penalties:
– Imprisonment up to 5 years
– Fine ₹10–50 lakh for causing death or grievous harm.
Regulatory Modernisation
- Focus on risk-based assessment.
• Encouragement of biological pesticides.
• Digital transparency in pesticide registry.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Insecticides Act, 1968 – Regulated manufacture and sale of insecticides.
• Biological Pesticides – Derived from natural organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants).
• Central Pesticides Board – Advisory body on technical matters.
• Registration Committee – Authority for approval and review.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Addresses rising concerns of:
– Pesticide residues
– Environmental contamination
– Farmer health risks - Aligns with goals of:
– Sustainable agriculture
– Environmental protection
– Food safety - Balances agricultural productivity with ecological safeguards.
• Enforcement capacity and state coordination remain key challenges.
Way Forward
- Strengthen monitoring and residue testing infrastructure.
• Promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Increase farmer awareness and training.
• Encourage R&D in bio-based alternatives.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3 – Environment & Ecology (Sustainable Agriculture)
• GS 3 – Science & Technology (Agri-tech Regulation)
• GS 2 – Governance (Regulatory Reforms)
• Prelims – Pesticide Regulation Framework