Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
Why in news?
The Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 seeks to replace the outdated Insecticides Act, 1968 and modernize India’s pesticide regulation with stricter penalties, digital traceability, and farmer-centric safeguards. It is currently open for public feedback until February 4, 2026, before being tabled in Parliament.
Key Highlights of the Draft Bill
- Replacement of Old Law: Supersedes the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971, which no longer meet modern regulatory needs.
- Lifecycle Regulation: Covers the entire chain—manufacture, import, labeling, sale, transport, use, and disposal of pesticides.
- Union Control: Declares pesticide regulation a Union subject, centralizing oversight and reducing fragmented state-level regulation.
- Digital Transparency & Traceability: Introduces technology-driven systems to track pesticides, ensuring farmers receive authentic products.
- Stricter Penalties: Tougher punishments for counterfeit or substandard pesticides, aiming to protect farmers from exploitation.
- Accredited Testing Labs: Mandates accreditation of laboratories to guarantee quality testing before pesticides reach farmers.
- Institutional Framework: Proposes a two-tier structure—a Central Pesticides Authority and State-level bodies for implementation.
- Decriminalization of Petty Offences: Minor violations may be treated with civil penalties rather than criminal charges, reducing harassment.
Potential Challenges & Risks
- Implementation Capacity: Centralized control may face resistance from states used to autonomy.
- Digital Divide: Farmers in remote areas may struggle with digital systems unless proper training/support is provided.
- Industry Pushback: Stricter penalties and lab accreditation could raise compliance costs for pesticide manufacturers.
- Legal Drafting Issues: Critics note references to outdated laws (CrPC/IPC) in the draft, which need correction.
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