Centre to Bring Separate Laws on Pesticides, Seeds to Protect Farmers: Chouhan

Bhubaneswar: Union agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the Centre would introduce two separate legislations on pesticides and seeds to safeguard farmers from spurious farm inputs and ensure better quality control in the agriculture sector.

Addressing mediapersons on the sidelines of the Eastern Zonal Agriculture Conference here, Chouhan said fake pesticides and substandard seeds were being sold in markets by “unscrupulous elements,” adversely affecting farmers and crop productivity.

“The Centre is bringing two separate bills — one on pesticides and another on seeds. Strict provisions will be made to deal with those involved in selling fake and low-quality agricultural inputs,” he said.

Responding to questions on fertiliser availability amid global geopolitical tensions, the Union minister acknowledged that India’s imports had been impacted but asserted that there was no shortage for farmers.

“There is no denying that geopolitical tensions have affected imports. However, there has been no disruption in fertiliser supply and the country has adequate stocks to meet farmers’ requirements,” Chouhan said.

The minister said the Union government was now focusing on integrated farming and crop diversification to improve soil health and enhance farmers’ income. He noted that excessive dependence on paddy and wheat cultivation was not sustainable in the long run.

“Farmers need to diversify towards pulses, oilseeds and horticulture crops. Integrated farming is essential both for improving incomes and maintaining soil fertility,” he said, adding that India must achieve self-reliance in pulses and edible oils.

Chouhan also announced that under the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, the Centre would procure the entire quantity of pigeon pea, urad and lentils offered by pre-registered farmers through central nodal agencies till 2030-31.

“The initiative will ensure assured markets and remunerative prices for farmers while strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in pulse production,” he said.

The one-day Eastern Zonal Agriculture Conference focused on issues such as crop diversification, storage, marketing, use of modern technology and support systems for farmers. Agriculture ministers and senior officials from Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh attended the meeting, while officials from Jharkhand joined virtually.

Chouhan, however, expressed disappointment over the absence of Jharkhand’s agriculture minister at the conference.

“The political head of a department carries greater significance in such important deliberations,” he remarked.

The Union minister stressed that coordinated efforts between the Centre and states were crucial for building a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in the country.