The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has published the Draft Insecticides (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2023 and the draft Insecticides (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023. Both these draft rules were published on November 29, 2023.
The proposed eighth amendment addresses the licensing process for pest control operations involving Glyphosate and its derivatives. According to these draft rules, if an individual applies for a license to conduct pest control operations with Glyphosate and its derivatives, and the licensing officer does not grant the license within thirty days from the application submission date, the license shall be deemed granted.
Moreover, individuals seeking such licenses are required to submit their applications along with a fee of one thousand rupees. This fee is applicable to all locations where pest control operations involving Glyphosate and its derivatives are conducted.
Additionally, the Central Government is also making strides towards the development of an Integrated Pesticide Management System (IPMS) at the national level. This initiative, led by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare aims to address existing gaps in the pesticide value chain and facilitate real-time monitoring of insecticide supply chains.
The proposal for the creation of the IPMS at the national level was presented during the 65th Central Insecticides Board meeting. The Central Government, in consultation with the Central Insecticide Board, believes that amendments to the Insecticides Rules, 1971, are essential to support this pioneering endeavor. Therefore, it has proposed the ninth amendment to the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
The proposed ninth amendment covers various aspects of licensing, record-keeping, and reporting. Some key highlights include the introduction of digital forms for license applications, maintenance of records, and reporting procedures. Additionally, amendments aim to streamline processes related to inspections, disposal of seized stock, and intimation for the purpose of taking samples.
Both these draft rules will be under consideration after December 29, 2023. Hence, individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit objections or suggestions regarding the proposed amendments before this date. The Central Government will take into account any feedback received within this stipulated timeframe.
Objections and suggestions related to the draft rules can be submitted to the Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001. Alternatively, stakeholders can provide input through email at jspp-dac@gov.in.
The Central Government emphasizes the significance of these amendments in fostering a more efficient, transparent, and accountable regulatory environment for insecticides.
