Centre Proposes Pesticides Management Bill 2025 to Replace the Decades-Old Insecticides Act
The Union Agriculture Ministry has released the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, for public feedback. This legislation aims to replace the 57-year-old Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. The bill introduces stricter controls on spurious pesticides and significantly enhances penalties for violations. It incorporates digital technology to streamline processes and mandates the accreditation of testing laboratories to ensure pesticide quality. The reform is described as farmer-centric, focusing on quality assurance and effective regulation of the pesticide industry to protect agricultural productivity and safety.
Key Points
- The Bill seeks to modernize pesticide regulation by replacing the outdated Insecticides Act of 1968.
- It proposes higher penalties for the sale of spurious or substandard pesticides to protect farmers' interests.
- Mandatory accreditation for testing laboratories is a key feature to ensure the quality of pesticides reaching the market.
- The Ministry has invited feedback from stakeholders until February 4, 2026, before the Bill is introduced in Parliament.
Exam Facts
- Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
- Insecticides Act, 1968
- Feedback deadline: February 4, 2026
- Insecticides Rules, 1971
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