Latest news with #MRLs
Mint
24-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
After Punjab, Haryana may ban harmful pesticides, help Indian Basmati rice clear strict overseas standards
New Delhi: Haryana is gearing up to ban hazardous pesticides in Basmati rice in an attempt to make it easier to export the grain to developed and other markets with high food safety standards. Neighbouring Punjab—like Haryana a major agricultural state—has already enforced such a ban in order to meet what is known as the International Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). These two states account for nearly 70%-75% of India's basmati exports of 6 mllion tonnes (in FY25). MRL is the highest concentration of a pesticide or veterinary drug residue legally allowed in food or animal feed, established to ensure food safety based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The Union government has also imposed a ban on four highly hazardous pesticides. Basmati rice exports from India have been facing repeated rejection by the European Union, US, Japan, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, and UAE, owing to pesticide residues exceeding the prescribed MRLs of the importing country,according to Haryana Rice Exporters Association. This has led to a substantial loss of export business, reputational damage, and a decline in India's market share, much of which has shifted to competitors like Pakistan. The Haryana move seeks to replicate initiatives taken in Punjab. "We have banned the sale, distribution, and use of 11 insecticides on basmati rice crops for a 60-day period, starting 1 August to 30 September, to address concerns about pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits,' said a senior official in Punjab agriculture Department. The banned insecticides are Acephate, Buprofezin, Chlorpyriphos, Propiconazole, Thiamethoxam, Profenofos, Carbendazim, Tricyclazole, Tebuconazole, Carbofuran and Imidacloprid. The Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association reported that tests conducted by them previously had shown these pesticides at levels that were much above the MRL values for basmati. "So, our association requested for a ban on these agrochemicals to save the heritage basmati produce of Punjab, and to ensure hassle free export of basmati rice to other countries" said an exporter on the condition of anonymity. Taking a cue from Punjab, Haryana basmati exporters also approached the state government seeking a ban. "We have sought immediate intervention of the state government on prohibition on sale, stock, distribution and use of certain pesticides on basmati crop in Haryana to safeguard the integrity and global reputation of Basmati rice cultivated in the state," said Sushil Jain, President, Haryana Rice Exporters Association. According to exporters, despite continued efforts by exporters associations—through farmer awareness programmes and advisory dissemination—certain pesticides remained widely available and in use, undermining all efforts. "In light of the upcoming paddy cultivation season and the urgent need to protect the heritage, and export viability of basmati rice, we have appealed the state government to impose a prohibition for a period of at least 90 days (during the paddy crop season) 15 July on the sale, stock, distribution and use of the certain pesticides,' Jain added. The pesticides for which a ban has been sought are the same as in Punjab. A senior official in Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ministry in Haryana said the final decision related to a ban will be taken in consultation with stakeholders and other relevant concerned officials. Exporters suggested that the prohibition should be strictly implemented at the field level, and that a monitoring and complaint mechanism should be established to prevent the illegal sale and use of these pesticides. "We believe that implementing a pesticide prohibition in Haryana, in line with this vision, will go a long way in promoting pesticide-compliant basmati rice and reviving India's lost standing in some foreign markets," said Vijay Setia, advisor, Haryana Rice Exporters Association.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
Illegal drone sales raise alarm over agriculture, national security
Hyderabad: Certified drone manufacturers in India have raised serious concerns over the widespread use and illegal sale of non-type certified drones, particularly those imported from China. These uncertified UAVs, industry representatives warn, violate the DGCA's Drone Rules 2021, endanger public safety, and could compromise national security. Smith Shah, president of the Drone Federation of India, said the problem lies not in the absence of policy but in the failure of enforcement. "The policy is in place. These drones are usually brought into India through misdeclaration—either as separate parts or under misleading labels—and are assembled locally. When a drone is unregistered and flown without a licensed pilot, and especially if it can carry a few kilograms of payload, it becomes a potential national security threat," he said. The influx of cheap Chinese drones, especially for agricultural use, has increased over the last few years. These drones often lack critical safety features like geo-fencing, return-to-home, and auto-landing, and are being operated by individuals without any formal pilot training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Saúde em Foco Undo "A dumped Chinese drone is sold to a farmer, and when there is a malfunction or crop damage, the seller disappears," Shah said. The lack of trained operators has also led to uneven spraying of pesticides, which causes phytotoxicity and threatens crop yields. Because non-TC drones have not undergone efficacy tests or chemical residue checks, their use on crops could lead to violations of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This risks contaminating produce and triggering export rejections, which could affect India's processed food chains and agricultural exports. According to Shah, the DGCA's Drone Rules 2021 clearly prohibit the use of non-type certified drones, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has banned the import of fully built drones. However, enforcement by customs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, and aviation regulators remains weak. "There is a prohibition. Customs, DRI, and DGCA must enforce it strictly," he said. The issue also extends to the misuse of govt-backed subsidy schemes like Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Certified drone sellers noted that sellers of non-TC drones have been misleading farmers by using forged documentation to claim eligibility for subsidies and bank loans. When loans are rejected or drones fail to perform, farmers are left without support or recourse. The role of YouTube influencers and online dealers is worsening the problem. "There are influencers openly promoting illegal drones and enabling their sale through WhatsApp and other informal channels," a drone firm representative from Hyderabad said. These sellers often disappear after transactions, leaving buyers without service, support, or warranties. Penalties are possible under existing drone regulations, but industry insiders say enforcement remains rare. "These violations not only hurt certified players who invest heavily in R&D and training but also erode trust in the technology itself," the representative of the Hyderabad firm said.
