This document summarizes the Indian government's response to concerns regarding the use of insecticides on foodgrains, vegetables, and fruits, as addressed in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2090, answered on August 1, 2025, by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel.
The response clarifies that pesticides are approved for use in India only after rigorous evaluation and registration by the Registration Committee (RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Registration is granted based on efficacy and safety assessments to minimize risks to humans, animals, and the environment. Approved pesticides, when used according to label instructions regarding doses, crops, and precautionary measures, are not expected to cause harm.
Regarding the impact on bird populations, the Ministry reports a lack of specific data correlating insecticide use with a decrease in the number of bird species.
To mitigate potential risks associated with chemical pesticides, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. These strategies emphasize traditional and biological pest control methods, along with the use of biopesticides and biostimulants. The government also supports alternative farming practices like organic and mixed farming. In the fiscal year 2024-25, 720 training programs were conducted nationwide through Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and State Agriculture Departments, benefiting 21,271 farmers. These programs aim to raise awareness about alternatives to chemical pesticides and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: The Indian government ministry responsible for chemicals and fertilizers.
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals: A department within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Eswarasamy K: Member of LOK SABHA who raised the question about the use of insecticides.
Anupriya Patel: Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers who answered the question.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare; responsible for the Registration Committee (RC).
Registration Committee (RC): Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare responsible for granting registration certificates for pesticides.
Central Integrated Pest Management Centres CIPMCs: Centres under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare that conduct training programs for farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs: Agricultural extension centers that conduct training programs for farmers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No - 2090
ANSWERED ON- 01/08/2025
USE OF INSECTICIDES
2090 SHRI. ESWARASAMY K:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
a. whether the use of insecticides on foodgrains, vegetables and fruits etc. renders them harmful
for health;
b. if so, the details thereof and the adverse effects caused on human health;
c. whether the number of all species of birds is slowly decreasing due to eating of foodgrains
containing insecticides and water and air are getting polluted due to it, if so, the details thereof;
d. whether the Government has adopted any innovative idea to remedy this situation; and
e. if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) & (b):Pesticides are allowed for use in the country only after they are granted approval in
the form of Registration Certificate by the Registration Committee (RC) under Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The registration is granted only after ensuring the efficacy
and safety of the pesticides to prevent risk to human beings or animals or environment and for
matters connected therewith. Based on the studies and field trials conducted at approved
Universities/institutes, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the RC, approves
the details of doses, crops, precautionary measures, antidotes etc., which are duly published on
label and leaflets of the pesticides. The registered pesticides if used as per instruction on the
label and leaflets, do not pose any harm to human beings, animals and environment.
(c):No specific information is available about the number of species of birds which are slowly
decreasing due to eating of food grains and water contaminated with insecticides.
(d) & (e):Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through its Central Integrated Pest
Management Centres (CIPMCs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agriculture
Departments conduct various training programs to create awareness amongst farmers about useof alternate to chemicals like Bio-pesticide, Bio-stimulants, and alternate farming practices
such as organic farming, mix farming to increase their production. In the year 2024–25, a total
of 720 training programs were conducted across the country, benefiting 21,271 farmers. Also,
to prevent the excessive use of chemical pesticide Government of India promotes the strategy
of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which envisages pest management through traditional
and biological methods..
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