(a) whether pesticides banned in various countries because of their dangerous effects
continue to be manufactured and used in the country, particularly in Nanded district of
Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;
(c) whether substandard pesticides and seeds have a deleterious effect on land and cause
heavy losses to farmers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)&(b): The Registration Committee constituted under the Insecticides Act, 1968 registers
pesticides for use in the country after satisfying itself regarding their toxicity, efficacy and
safety. Insecticides which are banned/restricted in other countries and had been in use in India
have been reviewed from time to time. As a result of such reviews by expert committees,
Government of India has banned the use of 31 pesticides and their formulations. Restriction has
been imposed on the use of 12 insecticides. However, some insecticides which are banned in
some countries are permitted for use in our country only after thorough reviews and satisfying
that the particular insecticide does not cause harmful effect under the conditions of use in our
country. The country permits the use of an insecticide based on its agro-climatic conditions, crop
pattern, geography, pest-disease situation, ecology and socio-economic conditions of the people.
(c)&(d): Government regulates the manufacture and sale of pesticides under the Insecticides Act,
1968. The quality of seeds is regulated under the Seeds Act, 1966. Under the provisions of these
Acts, penal action is taken against manufacturers of spurious products. Government of India
provides assistance to States for establishing and strengthening of pesticide testing laboratories.
Government also promotes judicious use of pesticides through its policy of Integrated Pest
Management. Ministry of Agriculture also launched a campaign on seed treatment during
previous Kharif and Rabi seasons for creating awareness amongst the farmers to take up this
practice on a larger scale to ensure better seed germination thereby increasing the productivity.