Pesticides Management Bill 2026 Draft To Replace Old Law, Focus On Farmer Safety And Quality Products

The Centre has drafted the Pesticides Management Bill, 2026 to bring changes in India’s pesticide rules and replace the existing Insecticides Act, 1968 and related rules. The Bill has been prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in line with current needs and the Jan Vishwas Act.

The draft Bill was shared with ministries, departments and state and Union Territory governments on December 30, 2025 for suggestions. It was later opened for public feedback on January 7, 2026, inviting views from farmers, pesticide companies, dealers, retailers, NGOs and other groups.

The government said it received a large number of suggestions on issues linked to pesticide regulation, including data protection, quality control and management of pesticides. Agriculture Minister of State Ramnath Thakur gave this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed law aims to ensure that farmers get access to safe and quality pesticides. It includes steps for better tracking of pesticides, use of digital systems, stricter action against fake products and mandatory approval for testing laboratories.

The draft also encourages the use of biopesticides and supports domestic production. It proposes changes to reduce punishment for minor offences while keeping stronger action against serious violations.

The government will review the suggestions received from stakeholders before finalising the Bill.