UP’s 60-day ban on 11 Basmati pesticides welcomed, NGO demands permanent prohibition

By A Representative

The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to impose a 60-day ban on 11 pesticides commonly used in Basmati rice cultivation has been hailed as a landmark move for public safety and sustainable agriculture. The order, issued on August 17, 2025, covers 30 Basmati-growing districts and targets chemicals such as tricyclazole, buprofezin, acephate, chlorpyrifos, tebuconazole, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenofos, imidacloprid, carbendazim, and carbofuran.

According to the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India, which welcomed the ban in a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the decision demonstrates “a strong commitment towards protection of farmers and consumer health, biosafety” and sets an example for other states to follow.

PAN India, a non-profit research organization that campaigns against pesticide hazards, described the move as historic. “This is a proactive step demonstrating a strong commitment towards protection of farmers and consumer health, biosafety. We believe this can be the first step in promoting sustainable agriculture, advancing food safety, and safeguarding public health in Uttar Pradesh,” the NGO wrote in its congratulatory note to the Chief Minister. The organization further argued that the ban could trigger a ripple effect across other states, strengthening India’s campaign against the chemicalization of food production.

The NGO’s accompanying analysis noted that ten of the eleven banned chemicals are categorized as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) by international standards. Several are already prohibited in dozens of countries worldwide due to their toxic effects on humans, animals, and the environment. For instance, carbofuran, one of the banned pesticides, is outlawed in 106 countries because of its high acute toxicity. PAN India highlighted health risks associated with these pesticides, ranging from cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive harm to ecological damage affecting bees, birds, earthworms, and aquatic life.

While Uttar Pradesh’s ban is temporary, lasting 60 days, PAN India emphasized the importance of making it permanent. “A permanent ban, as a continuation of the current 60-day ban, would help in promotion of sustainable agriculture and protection of public health,” the analysis stated. The NGO pledged full support to the state in raising awareness, promoting ecological farming practices, and advancing policies that safeguard both consumers and farmers.

By linking public health, environmental safety, and export competitiveness of Basmati rice, the move marks a turning point in India’s agricultural regulation. PAN India concluded its note by assuring the state government of continued cooperation, calling the decision “a historical testament to visionary governance.”

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