Centre bans 2 rice cultivation insecticides, ACFI opposes 

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The Centre has imposed a ban on two widely used insecticides in rice cultivation — Tricyclazole & Buprofezin — through the Insecticide Prohibition Order 2020 under Gazette notification.

The central government, after considering the views expressed by an Inter Ministerial Committee, concluded that the use of Tricyclazole and Buprofezin involves health hazards to human beings, animals and the environment.

The Supreme Court in its judgement had directed to constitute an Inter Ministerial Committee to review the use of insecticides and hazardous chemicals.

“No person shall import, formulate, manufacture, sell, transport, distribute, stock and use Tricyclazole and Buprofezin. The certificate of registration granted for Tricyclazole and Buprofezin under Section 9 of the said Act shall be deemed to be cancelled,” said the draft order, under the rules of the prohibition of insecticides, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Opposing the ban, the Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI) said in a statement that millions of rice cultivating farmers will be affected by this ban.

“Rather than prohibition, Indian government should have stressed on ensuring and allowing its judicious and responsible use by farmers, considering the unique benefits of the molecule when used judiciously and positive learnings from other countries on its usage, where it has benefited farmers,” the statement said.

The ACFI termed the prohibition of insecticides a one-sided approach without considering and analyzing full practical data, evidence, studies, references available and its success globally from other countries, farmers, manufacturers.

The notification said, “If any person, who holds the certificate of registration fails to return the certificate to the Registration Committee, referred to in sub-paragraph , within a period of three months, action shall be taken under the provisions contained in the said Act.”

The notification also says that every state government should take steps in accordance with the rules of this draft order.

The ACFI said the government has failed to understand the direct & indirect impact of this potential ban – limited effective alternatives, proliferation of black market, counterfeit products.

“Government should take special care of Indian farmers, as at any point of time, some or the other Indian regions’ farmers keep suffering due to various reasons such as floods, drought, debt, use of lower quantity of pesticides due to less investments producing a decreased yield,” the statement said.