Question : Presence of Microplastics

a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that fertilizers and pesticides are a leading cause for presence of microplastics in agriculture and horticulture;
b) whether any action has been taken to revoke licenses provided to companies producing the said fertilizers and pesticides;
c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
d) whether the Government proposes to formulate any alternative to fertilizers containing microplastics; and
e) if so, the details thereof and the time by when the same is estimated to be implemented?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

???? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) to (e): So far, no such instance of microplastics in fertilisers and pesticides has come to the knowledge of the government. All fertilisers are generally registered under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) after thorough assessment of its nutrient status, bio efficacy, permissible limits of impurities and their biodegradability. Similarly, pesticides are registered on pre-defined chemical composition, which is duly verified through pre-registration verification process before granting the registration to the particular pesticide. Till date no pesticide has been registered with micro plastic as its constituent at the Secretariat of CIB&RC. Periodic quality testing of fertilisers and pesticides is done by regulatory agencies at central and state level to ensure that prescribed norms are adhered to.


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