AgroPages-India Gov. accepted PMFAI Appeal ‘Ensures Timely Production and Supply’ of Indian Agrochemicals-Agricultural news

India Gov. accepted PMFAI Appeal ‘Ensures Timely Production and Supply’ of Indian Agrochemicals

Related News

Agriculture-Farming and allied activities exempted from Lockdown in India

Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) being the largest national Association representing Agrochemicals/Pesticide Industry, made Appeals to Central and State Governments including Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, to allow Manufacturing, Sale, Distribution and Transportation of Pesticides/Agrochemicals under Essential Commodities Act, as also other Agri Inputs like Fertilizers & Seeds.

PMFAI made appeals to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Emergency Cell of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and State Governments.

"We informed the Government that not allowing of manufacturing activities of agri inputs during lock down period will lead to huge shortages and price rise of Pesticides in the fast approaching Kharif crop Season, commencing from May. It was also informed that Kharif season has 75% of Pesticide consumption from May to September and Rabi is 25% (November to January). " Pradip Dave, the President of PMFAI.

Authorities were informed that as key Agricultural “Kharif” season is commencing from May, it is very important to ensure domestic production and supply of Pesticides/Agrochemicals to Farmers to protect crops. Also, as the country will be facing very tough economic situation ahead, it is very important to ensure maximum agricultural productivity by protecting crops from pests and diseases. Securing India’s food security is most important in current situation of Covid-19 pandemic, for which protecting crops and ensuring maximum agricultural productivity will be very key for the nation.

PMFAI informed the authorities that Pesticides are used on Crops to protect Crops from Pests and diseases in similar way as Medicines are used to treat human diseases. Hence it's appealed that as like production of Pharmaceutical & Drug manufacturing is allowed continued production, Pesticides being one of the most important agricultural inputs for Farmers to protect crops from pests and diseases, also be allowed continued production with all precautionary measures (screening, social distancing and sanitation) under Essential Commodities Act.

Considering PMFAI Appeal, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India issued an Order & 2nd Addendum on 27th March 2020 to the earlier Guidelines issued by the Ministry, according nation-wide permission to Manufacturing and Packaging Units of Pesticides, Fertilizers and Seeds to operate during COVID-19 lock down period. Various State Governments also issued separate guidelines allowing manufacturing, sale and transportation of Pesticides, Fertilizers and Seeds by inclusion in Essential Commodities Act.

"We are optimistic that the above action will help timely production and supply of all agri inputs including Pesticides, which help meet local Demand and Exports and price rises."