Ban of use and sale of nine agro-chemicals

Ban of use and sale of nine agro-chemicals

Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Pollution

• Punjab government ordered a ban on the sale and use of nine agro-chemicals, after the agriculture department found that these were still being used by farmers though they adversely impacted the quality of rice.
• The ban is aimed at protecting the paddy quality, which is critical to its export and remunerative pricing in the international market.

Agro-chemicals which are banned include – Acephate, Triazophos, Thiamethoxam, Carbendazim, Tricyclazole, Buprofezin, Carbofuron, Propiconazole and Thiophinate Methyl.

Insecticides Act, 1968

• It was brought into force with effect from August 1971 
• The Act regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of insecticides in order to prevent risk to human beings and animals. 
• Central Insecticides Board was established under Section 4 of the Act and it works under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• The board advises the central government and state governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of the act and to carry out the other functions assigned to it.