SANGRUR, June 14: To improve the international marketability of basmati rice, the Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on the use of 11 pesticides on basmati crops, citing their role in exceeding residue limits that hinder exports.
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Gurnam Singh confirmed the ban, stating that basmati shipments had been facing rejection or lower pricing in global markets due to the presence of these chemicals beyond permissible levels. “Farmers were unable to get a fair price for their produce. The government had to step in to protect their interests,” he said.
The banned substances include acephate, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, carbofuran, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenophos, imidacloprid, carbendazim, tricyclazole, tebuconazole, and all their combinations and formulations.
Dr. Singh urged farmers to strictly avoid using these on basmati fields and instead seek guidance from agriculture officers for approved alternatives.
For pesticide dealers, the regulations have also tightened. They are now required to record the crop name on the bill or cash memo when selling any of the restricted pesticides for other crops. “All dealers in the district must maintain comprehensive sale records for these 11 pesticides,” he added.
The ban is expected to help restore Punjab’s basmati reputation in international markets and ensure farmers receive better returns for their produce.
