Brief Context
Context 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. Major Features 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.
Source Content
Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture
Context
- 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.
Major Features
- 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: PIB