Indian government is promoting safe and judicious use of pesticides

The pesticides registered under the Insecticides Act, 1968 are required to be used as per approved label claims on crops, including fruits and vegetables. These are registered by Registration Committee constituted under section 5 of the Act after satisfying effectiveness and safety of the product based on data submitted by the applicant on various parameters like chemistry, toxicity and packaging.

Under plant protection strategy, following steps are being taken for safe and judicious use of pesticides:

(1) Each container of pesticide is accompanied with a label/leaflet containing information on pest, disease to be controlled, dose, precautions etc.

(2) Training is being imparted on safe and judicious use of pesticides by various extension functionaries of Central and State Governments.

(3) To minimize the use of pesticides, Government of India is promoting the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for control of insects, pests and diseases of different crops, which envisages the use of non-chemical methods of pest control such as cultural, mechanical, physical, biological and need-based use of chemical pesticides.

This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.