Government Seeks Feedback on Draft Pesticides Management Bill
Government seeks public input on draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2026.
Photo by B Udaykiran
The Union Agriculture Ministry has invited public comments on the draft Pesticides Management Bill, which aims to repeal the Insecticides Act of 1968. The bill seeks to regulate the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, storage, advertisement, sale, transport, distribution, use, and disposal of pesticides to ensure the availability of safe and effective pesticides. It aims to minimize risks to humans, animals, and the environment, promoting biological and traditional knowledge-based pesticides.
The bill defines pesticide broadly, including plant growth regulators and substances used before or after harvest. It proposes a Central Pesticides Board to advise the government and states on scientific and technical matters. A registration committee will decide on pesticide registration, review safety, and maintain a national register of pesticides in digital form.
The draft Bill also provides for a punishment of imprisonment up to five years, or a fine from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh or with both for the manufacture, import, sale, exhibit for sale, transport, distribute, use or cause to use of pesticide in “death or grievous hurt of another.”
Visual Insights
Evolution of Pesticides Regulation in India
Timeline of key events and legislations related to pesticides regulation in India, leading up to the draft Pesticides Management Bill.
The need for a comprehensive and updated law on pesticides management arose due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of pesticide use. The Insecticides Act of 1968, while serving its purpose, was deemed inadequate to address the evolving challenges in the sector.
- 1968Enactment of the Insecticides Act, 1968 - the primary legislation governing pesticides in India.
- 1986Environment Protection Act, 1986 enacted, providing a broader framework for environmental regulation, including aspects related to pesticide use.
- 2000sGrowing concerns regarding the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and the environment.
- 2017First draft of the Pesticides Management Bill proposed to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968.
- 2020Parliamentary Standing Committee reviews the draft Pesticides Management Bill and suggests revisions.
- 2024Revised draft of the Pesticides Management Bill prepared, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders.
- January 2026Union Agriculture Ministry releases the draft Pesticides Management Bill for public consultation.
Quick Revision
Bill: Pesticides Management Bill
Aim: Repeal Insecticides Act of 1968
Goal: Regulate pesticides for safety and effectiveness
Focus: Minimize risk to humans, animals, environment
Provision: Central Pesticides Board for advice
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Agriculture, Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Connects to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, environment, and food security
Potential questions on regulatory frameworks, environmental impact assessment, and agricultural policies
More Information
Background
The use of pesticides has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient civilizations where natural substances like sulfur were used to protect crops. The modern era of pesticides began in the late 19th century with the introduction of synthetic compounds. The 20th century witnessed a rapid increase in pesticide use, driven by the Green Revolution and the need to increase agricultural productivity.
However, concerns about the environmental and health impacts of pesticides also grew, leading to regulations and restrictions on certain chemicals. The Insecticides Act of 1968 was a significant step in regulating pesticides in India, but it has been criticized for being outdated and inadequate to address current challenges such as pesticide resistance, spurious pesticides, and the promotion of sustainable alternatives. The evolution of pesticide regulation reflects a continuous effort to balance the benefits of crop protection with the need to safeguard human health and the environment.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and biological control methods to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. The government has been encouraging the use of biopesticides and organic farming practices through various schemes and initiatives. Furthermore, there's been increased scrutiny of pesticide residues in food products, leading to stricter enforcement of maximum residue limits (MRLs).
The draft Pesticides Management Bill is part of a broader effort to modernize the regulatory framework for pesticides and align it with international standards. Future developments are likely to focus on promoting safer and more sustainable pest control practices, enhancing farmer awareness, and strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the misuse of pesticides.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the draft Pesticides Management Bill: 1. It aims to repeal the Insecticides Act of 1968. 2. It excludes plant growth regulators from the definition of pesticides. 3. It proposes a Central Pesticides Board to advise the government on scientific matters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as the bill aims to repeal the Insecticides Act of 1968. Statement 3 is correct as the bill proposes a Central Pesticides Board. Statement 2 is incorrect as the bill includes plant growth regulators in the definition of pesticides.
2. With reference to the historical context of pesticide regulation in India, consider the following: 1. The use of natural substances as pesticides dates back to ancient times. 2. The Green Revolution significantly increased the use of synthetic pesticides. 3. The Insecticides Act of 1968 was the first comprehensive legislation on pesticide regulation in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. Natural substances were used as pesticides in ancient times. The Green Revolution led to increased use of synthetic pesticides. The Insecticides Act of 1968 was the first comprehensive legislation.
3. Which of the following is NOT a key objective of the draft Pesticides Management Bill?
- A.Ensuring the availability of safe and effective pesticides
- B.Minimizing risks to humans, animals, and the environment
- C.Promoting biological and traditional knowledge-based pesticides
- D.Maximizing the use of chemical pesticides to increase agricultural output
Show Answer
Answer: D
The draft bill aims to minimize risks and promote biological and traditional knowledge-based pesticides, not maximize the use of chemical pesticides.
4. Assertion (A): The draft Pesticides Management Bill proposes stringent penalties for the manufacture, import, or sale of spurious pesticides. Reason (R): Spurious pesticides can cause significant harm to crops, human health, and the environment. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the bill proposes stringent penalties.
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Source Articles
Govt. seeks feedback on draft Bill to regulate pesticides, promote ‘safe and effective’ use - The Hindu
Centre seeks public comments on draft Pesticides Management Bill to replace 1968 Act - The Hindu
Domestic workers’ union urges Karnataka govt. to revise draft welfare Bill - The Hindu
Labour codes likely to be fully operational from April 1, 2026, Govt to pre-publish draft rules soon - The Hindu
Facing stiff resistance from legal fraternity, Law Ministry puts draft Bill to amend Advocates Act on hold - The Hindu