PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT BILL

Key Highlights:

• The Pesticides Management Bill, 2026 has been drafted by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• The draft bill aligns with current requirements and the Jan Vishwas Act.
• It was circulated to Ministries/Departments and State/UT Governments on December 30, 2025, and placed in the public domain on January 7, 2026, for comments.
• A wide range of suggestions from various stakeholders, including on data protection, have been received.
• This information was provided by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Detailed Insights:

• The drafting of the bill signifies a governmental effort to modernize the regulatory framework for pesticides in India.
• Its alignment with the Jan Vishwas Act suggests a focus on rationalizing penalties and promoting trust-based governance in the sector.
• The extensive public consultation process indicates a comprehensive approach to policy-making, incorporating diverse perspectives.
• The receipt of numerous suggestions highlights the broad impact and complexity of pesticide management for various stakeholders.
• Parliamentary disclosure in Lok Sabha underscores the legislative importance and public accountability of this proposed bill.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pesticides Management Bill: A proposed legislation to regulate the manufacture, import, export, sale, transport, distribution, quality, and use of pesticides in India.
• Jan Vishwas Act: An act that decriminalizes minor offenses across various laws, promoting ease of doing business and living by replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties.
• Lok Sabha: The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, where legislative proposals are introduced, debated, and passed.