Pesticides Manufacturers Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) early this week met Arti Ahuja, Secretary (Chemicals & Petrochemicals), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India to brief and discuss important issues concerning Indian Agrochemical Industry and action plans to drive industry’s growth.

PMFAI delegation, led by President Pradip Dave, highlighted following points to Ahuja:

 (1) “The Pesticide Management Bill 2020” and the Thirty Sixth Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing 2021-22;

(2) Issues arising from surging imports of Pesticides;

(3) Need to have separate HS Code classification for Technical Grade Pesticides and Formulation products to control and regulate imports

(4) Need to apply differential Customs Duty rates required to be applied on imports of Technical Grade Products and Formulated products to give boost to the concept of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” schemes of Government of India to promote indigenous agrochemical manufacturing sector and generate employment for local people.

(5) Supporting “Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurgaon” for development and production of environment friendly new generation pesticide formulation technologies.

The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) and Indian agrochemical industries to work together to support sustainable growth of Indian agriculture.