Page 130 - CW E-Magazine (24-6-2025)

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PMFAI CONFERENCE
‘Unfair to blame India’s farmers for high pesticides

use and industry for dubious products’

Developed countries, including
Europe, Australia, and Japan, use pesti-
cides at rates 4-8 times higher than
India, yet, paradoxically, the global
discourse, at the behest of foreign-
funded NGOs and environmentalists,
often targets India for high pesticide
use. At the same time, allegations that
40-50% of pesticides sold in India are
fake or sub-standard, are bogus, and
designed to defame the Indian agro-
chemical industry and undermine its
exports.

These were some observations
made by Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary,
President, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj
and Member, High Level Committee
on Agricultural Issues, Govt. of India,
while speaking at the awards ceremony
alongside the 22nd International agri-inputs industry in teaching farmers banning generic pesticides would have
Crop Science Conference & Exhibi- safe and accurate pesticide application on farmers.
tion (ICSCE 2025) organized by Pesti- methods, including the importance of
cides Manufacturers and Formulators wearing protective gear. ‘Critical role in ensuring global food
Association of India (PMFAI) on June security’
10-11, 2025 in New Delhi. Dr. Chaudhary cited data from In his inaugural address, Pradip
a nationwide government initiative, Dave, President, PMFAI, emphasized
The two-day event saw the parti- which revealed that out of 175,000 the critical role of agri-inputs in ensur-
cipation of 126 companies, who exhi- samples collected across the country, ing global food security. He reiterated
bited their product portfolios, and only 1.81% were found sub-standard. that with the ever-increasing global
drew over 1,100 registered delegates, population, boosting food production
including international participants. He also warned against efforts by is paramount, and India plays a vital
The awards presented honoured indi- various lobbies to ban generic pesti- role in this endeavour. Mr. Dave speci-
viduals for their contributions to the cides, which effort, he said, is primarily fi cally highlighted the indispensable
growth of the Indian agri-inputs sector. intended to boost the import of ready- contribution of crop protection chemi-
made pesticide formulations into the cals in enhancing both agricultural
‘Valuable educational efforts by the country. and horticultural output. Furthermore,
agri-inputs industry’ he underscored the signifi cant efforts
Dr. Chaudhary praised Indian Dr. Chaudhary also expressed dis- of PMFAI and ICSCE in driving the
farmers for their profound knowledge may over the appointment of incompe- development of India’s agrochemical
and practical experience in pinpoint- tent offi cials to head pesticide review sector and promoting exports from the
ing pest and disease issues and inter- processes within the country. These country.
vening effectively with precise timing offi cials, he noted, often possess no
and dosage. He also acknowledged practical knowledge of agriculture, Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Ltd.
the valuable educational efforts by the farming, or the signifi cant impact and Crop Care Federation of India

130 Chemical Weekly June 24, 2025

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