India - PMFAI delegation meets Secretary Chemicals & Petrochemicals to discuss agrochemical industry issues

Date:04-01-2022

The delegation led by Mr. Pradip Dave, President PMFAI (Pesticide Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India) met Ms. Arti Ahuja, Secretary (Chemicals & Petrochemicals), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers last week.

The industry body along with the member delegation discussed important issues concerning Indian Agrochemical Industry and action plans to drive industry’s growth.

The delegation highlighted various issues including the Pesticide Management Bill 2020 which has been of concern by the industry specifically the 36th report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing 2021-22.

The industry body discussed surging imports of pesticides in India. The delegation suggested to have separate HS code classification for technical grade pesticide and formulation products to control and regulate imports.

One of the crucial discussion point was on the custom duty of technical grade product and formulated products imported in India. PMFAI suggested to bring in different custom duty rates for both technical grade and formulated product imports so as to promote Indian manufacturers and formulators which intern will generate employment and boost ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ schemes of the Indian Government.

Ms. Ahuja assured the delegation that Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) and Indian Agrochemical Industries will continue to work together to support sustainable growth of Indian Agriculture.