March 20, 2002

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INSECTICIDES ACT TO BE AMENDED SOON

    The Ministry of Agriculture is finalising amendment of the Insecticides Act to provide for stringent punishment to manufacturer and suppliers of spurious pesticides in the process of consultation for finalising the draft of the amendments, a meeting of the representatives of the Pesticides Industry with the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ajit Singh was held here today. The representatives of Indian Crop Protection Association, Pesticides Association of India, Pesticides, Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India, Household Insecticides Manufacturers Association made several suggestions to facilitate supply of quality pesticides to farmers at competitive rates. Suggestions were also made for Amendment to the Insecticides Act to make it more effective for taking action against sub-standard spurious pesticides. Agriculture Minister assured the participants that their suggestions would be examined in consultation with the Law Ministry for incorporation into the amendments.