The Ministry of Agriculture has issued a draft order prohibiting the use of tuberculosis antibiotics - Streptomycin and Tetracycline on crops.

Continued use of these substances in agriculture may pose the risk of developing resistance to these antibiotics in both human beings and animals.

The Registration Committee on Agrochemicals had constituted a Sub-Committee to explore the possibility of phasing out antibiotics or antibacterial substances for use in agriculture if alternatives are available. The Central Government after considering the recommendations of the said Sub-Committee and after consultation with the Registration Committee issued the draft order on December 17. The Order, “Prohibition of Streptomycin + Tetracycline in agriculture Order, 2021” is open for feedback from the stakeholders.

According to the draft Order, no person shall import, manufacture or formulate Streptomycin and Tetracycline for use in agriculture in India with effect from February 1, 2022. Further, no new certificate of registration will be issued in this regard, i.e, for the manufacture, import, or formulation of Streptomycin and Tetracycline for use in agriculture with effect from February 1, 2022.

In addition to this, from January 1, 2024, there will be a complete ban on the use of Streptomycin and Tetracycline in agriculture. The draft Order also stated that every State government shall take all steps necessary for the execution of the Order in their State, under the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968 and rules framed thereunder.

The Order will come into force on the date of its final publication in the Official Gazette.