Overview
- The draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 would replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971 with a single Union-controlled framework covering manufacture, import, sale, use and disposal.
- A two-tier system is proposed with a Central Pesticides Board for advice and a Registration Committee as the executive authority, with prior registration required before manufacture or import.
- Registrations must be decided within 12 months, extendable to 18 months, and generic products receive deemed approval if no decision is issued within the deadline.
- The bill tightens enforcement through higher penalties, expanded inspector powers, compounding provisions, and mandatory accreditation of pesticide testing laboratories.
- The proposal emphasizes digital processes and traceability, promotes biological and traditional-knowledge products, and invites submissions via the Agriculture Ministry’s website and listed emails.