Environment & Ecology·Environmental Laws
Pesticide and Fertilizer Pollution — Environmental Laws
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various notifications under Insecticides Act, 1968 | Ongoing | The Central Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, periodically issues notifications under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, to ban or restrict the use of certain insecticides. These are based on recommendations from the Registration Committee (CIB&RC) after reviewing scientific evidence of harm to human health or the environment. This dynamic process ensures that the regulatory framework adapts to new scientific findings and emerging concerns. | Leads to the phase-out or restricted use of hazardous pesticides, reducing environmental contamination and public health risks. Examples include the ban on Endosulfan and restrictions on Glyphosate in various states. It reflects the government's evolving commitment to safer agricultural practices. |
| Draft Pesticide Management Bill, 2020 | 2020 (Proposed) | This Bill aims to replace the outdated Insecticides Act, 1968. It proposes a more comprehensive regulatory framework, including provisions for compensation to farmers for losses due to spurious pesticides, regulation of pesticide advertisements, and promotion of organic and bio-pesticides. It also seeks to streamline the registration process and enhance transparency. | If enacted, it would significantly modernize pesticide regulation in India, shifting focus towards risk assessment, farmer welfare, and sustainable alternatives. It could lead to stricter enforcement, better data collection, and a more proactive approach to managing pesticide-related risks, thereby reducing pollution. |
| Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations | 2011 (with subsequent amendments) | Issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, these regulations set Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for various pesticides in different food commodities. They are regularly updated based on scientific risk assessments and international standards. | Directly impacts food safety by ensuring that food products sold in India comply with specified pesticide residue levels. This helps protect consumers from chronic exposure to pesticides through diet and drives farmers to adopt safer pesticide application practices to meet market standards. |