Industry raises concerns about online sale of pesticides, demands strict regulation

Pesticide manufacturers have demanded stricter regulations for the sale of pesticides through e-commerce platforms. CropLife India, an association of pesticide companies, asked the Union Government to address the emerging risks linked to online sale “clearly and explicitly” in the Draft Pesticides Management Bill. The industry representatives placed their concerns before the Union Government at the “National Conference on Crop Protection Products Sale on E-Commerce Platforms” held here on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters, Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman, CropLife India said several companies have filed cases against unauthorised sale of pesticides through e-commerce platforms. “This is a regulated industry, which is concerned about safety of farmers and crop performance. We can very conveniently say that it’s a consumer decision, but we don’t want our farmers to suffer. There are many instances where unauthorised products have been found being listed in e-commerce platforms. It is a matter of concern. If the authorisation letter is missing, then it becomes an unauthorised product, irrespective of the fact whether the product is genuine or not genuine. Companies have sent them notices, have friendly conversations and have resorted to legal course,” he said adding that there are about 250,000 pesticide retailers in the country and about 175,000 are active pesticide dealers.

Addressing the conference, Union Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh said the basic compliance checks by e-commerce platforms such as GST documents of sellers may not be sufficient when hazardous agri-inputs are sold online. He added that there is a the need for stronger quality assurance, traceability and supply-chain accountability and said these issues merit consideration under the Pesticides Management Bill, 2025.

Mr. Aggarwal added that the companies are are not against the sale of pesticides on e-commerce platforms. “Tackling unauthorised products remains a shared priority for policymakers and the crop protection industry and is critical for farmer safety, food security and consumer trust,” he said.