India's Punjab State: 60-Day Ban on 11 Pesticides for Basmati Rice

Eleven pesticides have been banned, including acetamiprid, thiazinone, chlorpyrifos, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, propyl bromide, carbendazim, triazole, penconazole, carbaryl, and imidacloprid. Under Section 27 of the Pesticides Act of 1968, the Punjab Governor exercised legal authority to implement this restriction. The ban will be effective from August 1 to September 30, 2025, across the entire state. During this period, all listed pesticide formulations will be specifically prohibited for use on Basmati rice. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare clarified in an official notification on May 9, 2025, that this decision aims to ensure Punjab's Basmati rice is free from harmful pesticide residues, prevent damage to its global demand, and ensure compliance with international food safety standards. The notification noted that continued use of these pesticides on Basmati rice risks exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by relevant agencies. Previously, the Punjab ...