The Governor of West Bengal has issued directives to enforce the central government’s Insecticides (Prohibition) Order, 2023, effectively banning the use of certain harmful pesticides and insecticides in tea production within the state. This move aims to ensure the safety and quality of West Bengal tea, a globally recognized product.
The directives, issued under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, empower the state government to take necessary steps to implement the prohibition order. A list of banned pesticides/insecticides, designated as “Annexure-A,” has been provided for reference.
Key Measures
Awareness Campaigns
The West Bengal Tea Directorate, under the Labour Department, will conduct extensive awareness campaigns targeting farmers, tea garden stakeholders, wholesalers, dealers, and retailers. The Additional Labour Commissioner, North Bengal Zone, will provide support to the Tea Directorate.
Prevention of Unauthorized Use and Sales
The Tea Directorate and the Additional Labour Commissioner will implement immediate measures to prevent the use and stocking of banned pesticides in tea gardens.
Steps will be taken to halt the unauthorized sale of tea cultivated using these prohibited chemicals.
Inspection, Sampling, and Testing
Labour Commissionerate and Tea Directorate officers (Inspector rank and above) are authorized to detain vehicles carrying tea and collect samples for testing.
Samples will be sent to notified laboratories, including state-established tea testing laboratories.
Customs Officer Verification at Borders
Customs officers at international border check posts will only allow tea shipments with valid tea testing clearance reports.
Samples may be collected at border crossings for testing.
Tea found with banned substances will be destroyed without compensation.
State Police Verification at Borders
State police officers at international and inter-state border check posts will also require valid tea testing clearance reports.
District Administration Support
District administrations will provide support to the Tea Directorate in implementing government instructions and enforcing the Insecticides (Prohibition) Order, 2023, and the Insecticides Act, 1968.
The state government has emphasized that all actions taken under these directives are in the public interest and in good faith. Tea producers and traders are urged to comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure the continued success of the West Bengal tea industry.
