Framing Lens

As a consumer, you may see safer food on shelves since pesticide residue limits are now tied to registration. As a farmer, you get stronger legal protections against being sold dangerous or counterfeit pesticides — but you also face stricter rules on what you can use and where.

What Could Change
  • Unsafe or unapproved pesticides become harder to find in local markets
  • Farmers using pesticides only on their own land are exempt from prosecution
  • Pesticide prices could be regulated if the government deems it necessary for fair availability

What It Does

The bill requires all pesticides to be registered with a central committee before they can be manufactured or imported — and that committee can reject or cancel registrations if a pesticide is unsafe, ineffective, or environmentally damaging. Anyone selling, storing, or distributing pesticides must hold a licence from the state government. A network of pesticide inspectors can raid premises, seize stocks, and halt sales if they suspect violations. The government also gains the power to cap pesticide prices and ban specific products or batches if they pose health or trade risks.

Key Provisions

Mandatory pesticide registration
Every pesticide must be approved by a Registration Committee before it can be sold or manufactured. The committee can reject applications where there is scientific uncertainty about safety, or where the pesticide may cause serious and irreversible harm.
Licensing for sellers and operators
Anyone who manufactures, sells, stores, or conducts pest control operations needs a state-issued licence. Licences can be revoked for violations, false information, or criminal conviction under the Act.
Pesticide inspectors with enforcement powers
Appointed inspectors can enter premises, seize pesticide stocks, and — with a magistrate's approval — halt sales for up to 60 days while samples are tested.
Ban powers for unsafe or trade-blocking pesticides
Central and state governments can prohibit the sale or use of any pesticide in a given area for up to one year if it poses health or environmental risks, or disrupts agricultural exports.

Supporters Say

Replacing the outdated 1968 law with modern safety standards and stronger enforcement will protect farmers, consumers, and ecosystems from the well-documented harms of unsafe pesticides.

Critics Say

Small farmers and rural retailers worry that complex registration and licensing requirements will raise costs and restrict access to affordable pest control options.

Primary Sources

PRS India

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