Temporary Ban on 11 Pesticides in Basmati Rice in UP: Farmers Must Take Note

Key Highlights

• UP bans 11 pesticides in Basmati rice until September 2025.

• Ban covers sale, distribution, and use in 30 districts.

• Action taken to meet international export standards and reduce residues.

• Farmers are advised to adopt Integrated Disease Management (IPM).

• Violators may face strict legal action under the Insecticides Act.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a temporary ban on 11 pesticides used in Basmati rice cultivation. The ban covers the sale, distribution, and use of these chemicals and will remain in effect until September 2025. This decision has been implemented across 30 major Basmati-producing districts to ensure the crop meets international quality standards.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Relaxes Biostimulant Rules, Farmers to Benefit

Reason Behind the Ban

The ban aims to promote exports of Basmati rice by keeping it free from harmful pesticide residues. In recent years, higher pesticide residues in Basmati rice led to lower acceptance in international markets, causing a 15% decline in exports in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21.

Importers from the European Union, the US, and Gulf countries have imposed stricter standards for pesticide residue levels. To address this, the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agricultural University, Meerut, recommended banning these pesticides.

List of Banned Pesticides in Basmati Rice

The following 11 pesticides are temporarily banned in UP for Basmati cultivation:

• Tricyclazole

• Bruprofezin

• Acephate

• Chlorpyrifos

• Tebuconazole

• Propiconazole

• Thiamethoxam

• Profenophos

• Imidacloprid

• Carbendazim

• Carbofuran

These chemicals were previously widely used but affected the crop’s acceptability in the export market.

Districts Where the Ban is Implemented

The ban is effective in 30 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including: Agra, Aligarh, Oraiyya, Baghpat, Bareilly, Bijnor, Badaun, Bulandshahr, Etah, Kasganj, Farrukhabad, Firozabad, Etawah, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Hathras, Mathura, Mainpuri, Meerut, Moradabad, Amroha, Kannauj, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Pilibhit, Rampur, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, and Sambhal.

These districts are key producers of Basmati rice for both domestic and international markets.

Guidelines for Farmers and Sellers

The Agriculture Department has warned all pesticide sellers not to sell or distribute the banned chemicals. Awareness campaigns, training programs, and workshops are being conducted at the village level. Farmers violating these instructions may face legal action under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

Alternative Solution: Integrated Disease Management (IPM)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agricultural University recommends the IPM model as an alternative. IPM includes:

• Biological pest control

• Crop rotation

• Disease-resistant varieties

• Proper crop management

This method helps control pests and diseases without using harmful chemicals, ensuring higher quality Basmati rice.

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CMV360 Says

Although temporary, this ban is vital for the future of Basmati rice and India’s international reputation. Farmers following this policy will benefit from higher exports and improved crop quality. The government encourages all growers and sellers to adopt alternative methods and avoid banned pesticides for sustainable, quality farming.