By: Rahul Koul
Last updated : December 23, 2023 11:57 am
Experts emphasize creation of a regulatory system that ensures the responsible development, use, and monitoring
The cornerstone of any regulatory framework for agrochemicals is the meticulous assessment of their safety and efficacy. Rigorous scientific evaluation, encompassing toxicity studies, environmental impact assessments, and efficacy trials, forms the bedrock upon which approvals are granted. This scrutiny not only safeguards human health but also protects non-target organisms and ecosystems from unintended consequences.
The leading industry experts discussed the latest scenario at the second session, ‘Regulatory Framework for Agrochemicals’ of AgroChem Summit 2023 organized by the Indian Chemical News in New Delhi on December 15, 2023. The session was moderated by Pravin Prashant, Editor, Indian Chemical News.
“India is getting all the latest technologies and the common goal of all the associations here is to bring maximum innovation and technology in the hands of the farmers. At the same time, we need more latest molecules which help our farmers fight against the numerous pests, weeds and diseases that are increasing with each passing year. We need faster registrations to get the molecules and technologies to equip them for fighting the diseases. It is not just about sustainability but also the profitability for farmers. We need a predictable-science based regulatory system, consistent for innovation to thrive, policy to maximize agri output, public private partnership and an enabling environment. Currently there are 29 regulatory and policy related discussions with regulators and it is in the process of implementation,” said Dr K. C. Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India.
“Two years back the government called all the industry associations for the discussion. While a few things such as policy for drones has been addressed, there are pain points that continue to remain unaddressed. System doesn’t require a complete overhaul but improvements and tweaking to deal with operational issues of processes. It takes 6-7 months to get the certificates issued and even then the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) is not published, making it difficult for us to sell anything. There are two ministries that are involved in the process and it causes unexpected delays. The outsourcing of registration is an option but certain government departments don’t want to take accountability. Today the system doesn’t allow any changes in the existing molecules and seeks re-registration of the same molecule. We are told it will be handled on a case to case basis but it takes 3- 5 years. There is a need for guidelines, better coordination between states and centre, uniform protocols for reducing the timelines,” said Suresh Pennadam Jeyakaran, Lead-Regulatory Advocacy & Scientific Affairs, Bayer CropScience Ltd.
“We are bearing the fruits of provisional registrations being done in case of biopesticides and biofertilizers are reasonably taken care of under fertilizer control order. The biostimulants have been recently inducted into the existing notified order of the essential commodity act, known as FCO. We essentially don’t have to go for MRL approval. DBT guidance document on insecticides can’t be compiled fully. Regulators within the Insecticides Act within the FCO need to further establish the data that needs to be compiled with by the applicants. For example, in herbicides, subsequent residue and efficacy has to be done. Similarly, in case of nanotechnology, apart from extensive toxicological studies, even the produce is to be further evaluated. Manufacturers and registrants are typically required to provide a comprehensive set of data to support the registration of agrochemicals. This may include data on toxicity, environmental fate, residue levels, and efficacy. Re-establishing 93B provisional registrations for import of both technical and non-technical molecules with cooperation between MNCs and locals is a necessity,” said Vipin Saini, CEO, Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI)
“We must compliment the government for revoking the laws that were creating obstacles towards ease of doing business. Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has passed the Jan Vishwas Bill that is focused on decriminalization of minor offenses. About 42 laws and 183 provisions have been done away with. More than 3400 laws have been decriminalized. This begets the question that if the decriminalization can be done in case of insecticides and pharmaceuticals, why not pesticides? As we delve into the nitty gritties of the Pesticides Management Bill that is in the parliament, after doing consultations with industry associations, many recommendations have been sent for decriminalization of minor offenses but these have been ignored. On the contrary, the punishment for minor offenses has become even harsher which is disheartening. We need policies to differentiate between serious players and fly-by -night ones,” said Girish Ahuja, GM-Corporate Affairs, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd.
The AgroChem Summit 2023 themed, ‘Boosting Production Through Sustainable Agriculture Practices’, witnessed attendance by stalwarts and other stakeholders from the agrochemical sector across India.
The Summit was supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
Gold partners of the summit were Godrej Agrovet Ltd., SML Ltd., and Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Industry association supporting AgroChem Summit 2023 included Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI); Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI); Crop Life India (CLI); Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PFFAI); and Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI).