The Indian government is planning to enact a stricter law to combat the increasing menace of counterfeit agricultural inputs, including pesticides and seeds. This move comes in response to the significant losses suffered by farmers due to the widespread sale and use of fake and substandard products. The proposed legislation aims to bring stringent measures to curb the sale of counterfeit and substandard seeds and insecticides in the state. These acts would ensure punishment to those involved in selling fake, adulterated, or low-quality seeds and insecticides.
The issue of spurious agricultural inputs has been a long-standing challenge in India. Despite the presence of various laws and regulations, such as the Seeds Act of 1966, the Insecticides Act of 1968, and the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, the problem persists. Data from 2023-24 reveals that thousands of samples of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides failed to meet the required quality standards. Specifically, out of 133,588 seed samples tested, 3,630 were found to be substandard. Similarly, 8,988 out of 181,153 fertilizer samples and 2,222 out of 80,789 pesticide samples were deemed spurious.
Farmers have often borne the brunt of this fraudulent market, with many falling prey to unverified sellers due to a lack of accessible and credible alternatives. The economic impact is staggering, with farmers reporting losses in lakhs, while perpetrators often escape with minimal penalties. For instance, Haryana's amendments to the Seeds Act and the Insecticides Act include provisions that make offenses cognizable and non-bailable, with imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching Rs 5 lakh for repeat offenders. This is a notable departure from previous penalties, which were as low as Rs 500, proving ineffective as deterrents.
The government's commitment to addressing this issue was highlighted during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, where the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare announced the preparation of a stringent law targeting the manufacture and distribution of fake fertilizers and pesticides. The government has expressed a zero-tolerance approach towards harmful agricultural inputs that jeopardize both yields and farmer incomes.
To ensure the effectiveness of the new law, several complementary measures are being considered:
Farmers, under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU-Charuni), have voiced their support for stricter laws, recognizing that the amendments aim to introduce stringent measures to curb the sale of counterfeit and substandard seeds and insecticides. They believe that these acts would ensure appropriate punishment for those involved in selling fake, adulterated, or low-quality agricultural inputs.
While legal provisions are crucial, they are not sufficient on their own. The effective implementation of the new law requires robust enforcement, proactive vigilance, and collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, agricultural scientists, and farmers themselves. Additionally, promoting partnerships between companies and agricultural institutions can play a vital role in raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pesticides. Universities and colleges offering agricultural programs can be engaged in awareness campaigns, helping to disseminate knowledge to rural areas.
By addressing these challenges and implementing comprehensive measures, the government aims to protect farmers from economic losses, improve agricultural productivity, and ensure the sustainable use of resources.
