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India Seeks Public Input on Overhaul of Pesticide Regulations

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 3:49 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: N/A, INDIA

New Delhi, February 10th, 2026 - The Indian government today formally invited public feedback on a draft bill designed to radically overhaul the nation's pesticide regulation, replacing the antiquated Insecticides Act of 1968. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched a nationwide consultation, seeking suggestions and objections from all stakeholders - farmers, environmental groups, manufacturers, scientists, and concerned citizens - with a deadline of February 21st, 2026.

This move signals a significant shift in India's approach to pesticide management, acknowledging the urgent need for modernized legislation to address the evolving challenges of food security, public health, and environmental sustainability. The existing Insecticides Act, enacted over five decades ago, has long been criticized as being insufficient to cope with the complexities of modern agricultural practices and the proliferation of new and potentially harmful pesticides.

Addressing the Limitations of the Old Act

The 1968 Act, while a foundational piece of legislation, has proven increasingly inadequate in several key areas. Experts cite a lack of robust data requirements for pesticide registration, insufficient monitoring of pesticide residues in food and the environment, and weak enforcement mechanisms as major shortcomings. The current system struggles to effectively assess the long-term health and ecological impacts of pesticide use, leaving both consumers and ecosystems vulnerable.

The new draft bill aims to rectify these deficiencies by establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that encompasses the entire lifecycle of pesticides - from initial registration and import to manufacturing, sale, and eventual application. A central tenet of the proposed legislation is a heightened emphasis on risk assessment, requiring manufacturers to provide extensive data on the toxicity, environmental fate, and potential hazards of their products.

Key Provisions of the Draft Bill

While the full details of the draft bill are available for public scrutiny on the Ministry's website, several key provisions are expected to be central to the new regulatory regime:

• Stringent Registration Process: The bill proposes a more rigorous and scientifically-backed pesticide registration process, demanding comprehensive data on both acute and chronic toxicity, environmental impacts, and potential risks to non-target organisms.
• Data Transparency: Enhanced transparency in the pesticide approval process is a cornerstone of the bill, with provisions for public access to data submitted by manufacturers (with appropriate safeguards for commercially sensitive information).
• Import Controls: The bill is expected to strengthen controls on the import of pesticides, ensuring that all imported products meet Indian safety standards.
• Manufacturing Standards: Stricter manufacturing standards and quality control measures will be implemented to ensure the integrity and safety of domestically produced pesticides.
• Safe Use Guidelines: Clear and comprehensive guidelines for the safe use of pesticides will be developed and disseminated to farmers, emphasizing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and minimizing reliance on chemical controls.
• Residue Monitoring: A nationwide residue monitoring program will be established to track pesticide levels in food products and the environment, ensuring compliance with established safety limits.
• Penalties and Enforcement: The bill proposes significantly increased penalties for violations of pesticide regulations, along with strengthened enforcement mechanisms to deter illegal activities.

Public Consultation: A Crucial Step

The government's decision to solicit public input is a welcome step towards fostering a more participatory and inclusive regulatory process. This open consultation allows for a diverse range of perspectives to be considered, ensuring that the final legislation reflects the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. Interested parties can submit their suggestions and objections via email or postal mail, as detailed on the Ministry's website.

"This is a vital opportunity for citizens to shape the future of pesticide regulation in India," stated Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading environmental scientist specializing in pesticide impacts. "A robust and effective regulatory framework is essential to protect public health, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. We encourage everyone to review the draft bill and provide constructive feedback."

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare anticipates that the new Pesticides Bill, once enacted, will usher in a new era of responsible pesticide management in India, safeguarding the health of its citizens and the integrity of its environment. The draft bill can be found at [ https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/centre-invites-suggestions-from-public-on-new-pesticides-bill-1037414 ].