Punjab basmati exporters uncertainty grows as the state awaits clarity on twelve banned pesticides

Punjab basmati exporters in turmoil as court puts a stay on Punjab govt. notification on banning pesticides usage

On May 10, the Punjab government issued a notification banning the use of 11 pesticides during the August–September period in the state. Later, on July 15, the government issued another notification adding hexaconazole to the list of banned pesticides.

In response to this decision, the Crop Care Federation of India — a body representing the pesticide industry — filed a petition against the ban. As a result, the Punjab and Haryana High Court put a stay on the May 10 notification. However, no order was passed regarding the ban on hexaconazole, which remains on the list of banned pesticides

This court decision has thrown basmati exporters into turmoil, as they continue to face repeated consignment rejections from European countries. Notably, basmati exporters from Punjab account for 40% of the country’s total exports.

Further clarification on the issue

Exporters are expected to receive further clarification on the issue on September 17, the date of the next court hearing.
The list of banned pesticides includes: tebuconazole, imidacloprid, hexaconazole, buprofezin, propiconazole, profenofos, carbendazim, tricyclazole, carbofuran, acephate, thiamethoxam, and chlorpyrifos.

As the area under basmati rice cultivation has expanded in the state over the past few years, pesticide companies have been aggressively pushing to increase their sales. This has led to a rise in pesticide usage, resulting in residue traces on the crops that often exceed the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), causing repeated consignment rejections by European countries.

Meanwhile, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), APEDA, and the State Agriculture Department are conducting awareness campaigns to educate farmers.