Primary Source Link. You can access the original report on the draft Pesticides Management Bill here: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/165318/OPS/G8GFCIPNP.1+G6VFDQRUA.1.html
Repealing Outdated Laws. The new Bill aims to replace the Insecticides Act of 1968, which has been the primary legislation for over five decades but is now considered inadequate for modern agricultural challenges.
Public Consultation. The Union Agriculture Ministry has invited feedback, seeking comments from farmers, industry experts, and the general public to refine the draft before it becomes law.

Source

Chemical and Biological Scope. The Bill defines pesticides as substances of both chemical and biological origin, covering everything from traditional poisons to modern biopesticides used to repel or destroy pests.
Broad Functional Range. The definition includes growth regulators and desiccants, as well as substances used for fruit thinning, sprouting inhibition, or protecting crops during transport and storage.
Versatile Application. It covers use in diverse sectors, ranging from large-scale agriculture and industrial pest control to public health operations and ordinary household use.

Manufacture to Disposal. The draft Bill regulates every stage of a pesticide’s life, including its import, packaging, labeling, storage, transport, and distribution.
Advertisement Control. Strict standards for advertising are proposed, preventing manufacturers from making false claims about the safety or efficacy of their chemical products.
Environmentally Sound Disposal. The Bill introduces specific criteria for disposing of pesticides and their packaging to prevent soil and water contamination, ensuring a “cradle-to-grave” management approach.

Protecting Non-Target Organisms. A core objective is to minimize risks to humans and animals, as well as living organisms other than the specific pests targeted for elimination.
Promoting Bio-Alternatives. The legislation encourages “biological” pesticides, specifically those based on traditional knowledge, to reduce the heavy reliance on synthetic chemical compounds.
Health and Environmental Focus. The Bill strives for “safe and effective” use, balancing the need for agricultural productivity with the long-term health of the ecosystem.

Scientific Advisory Body. The draft provides for the creation of a Central Pesticides Board, which will act as the primary technical advisor to both the Union and State governments.
Establishing Best Practices. The Board will define criteria for good manufacturing practices, ensuring that factories maintain high standards of safety and quality during the production process.
Recall Procedures. The Board will develop procedures for recalling pesticides, allowing for the rapid removal of products from the market if they are found to be hazardous or ineffective after registration.

Gatekeeping Function. A specialized Registration Committee will be appointed by the Union government to decide which pesticides are allowed to be manufactured or imported into India.
Periodic Reviews. The committee must review the safety and efficacy of pesticides, ensuring that older chemicals that have become hazardous over time can have their licenses revoked.
Digital Transparency. A National Register of Pesticides will be maintained in digital form, providing a transparent and accessible database of all approved and banned substances in the country.

Liability for Injury. The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to five years for those whose illegal manufacture, sale, or use of a pesticide results in the “death or grievous hurt” of another person.
Hefty Financial Fines. Fines ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh can be imposed, serving as a significant deterrent against the distribution of spurious or substandard pesticides.
Administrative Sanctions. The Registration Committee has the power to cancel certificates, effectively shutting down businesses that violate safety protocols or environmental standards.

Standardizing Services. The draft mandates best practices for pest control operators (PCOs), ensuring that professional services in homes and industries are handled by trained personnel.
Safety Gear Requirements. The Bill likely necessitates the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), protecting the workers who are most directly exposed to toxic concentrations during application.
Certification Standards. PCOs will be subject to the standards set by the Central Pesticides Board, moving the industry away from unregulated, informal service providers.

Promoting Indigenous Solutions. The Bill specifically highlights pesticides based on traditional knowledge, providing a legal pathway for the commercialization of age-old organic farming practices.
Validation of Biopesticides. By including biological origins in the core definition, the Bill validates the use of neem, garlic, and other natural extracts as legitimate agricultural tools.
Sustainable Farming Transition. This focus supports the broader national goal of promoting natural farming and reducing the chemical residue in the Indian food chain.

International Standards. The draft seeks to align Indian regulations with international standards for pesticide management, facilitating smoother trade and export of agricultural produce.
Scientific Evolution. The Board’s technical mandate allows the law to evolve, ensuring that new scientific discoveries regarding chemical toxicity can be quickly integrated into national policy.
Empowering States. While central boards set the criteria, State governments are empowered to administer and enforce the proposed Act within their local agricultural jurisdictions.

Pesticides Management Bill 2026 Quiz

Instructions

Total Questions: 15

Time: 15 Minutes

Each question has 5 options. Multiple answers may be correct.

Time Left: 15:00