PMFAI Appeal ‘Ensures Timely Production and Supply’ of Indian Agrochemicals
Editor’s note: The Government of India has accepted the appeal from the Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) to allow the agri inputs manufacturing sector, including pesticide manufacturing plants, to operate during the lockdown period of COVID-19, to ensure timely production and supply of agri inputs. Below is a letter from PMFAI President Pradip Dave to association members.
Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI), being the largest national association representing the agrochemicals/pesticide Industry, has made appeals to the Central and State governments including the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, to allow manufacturing, sale, distribution, and transportation of pesticides/agrochemicals under the Essential Commodities Act, along with other agri inputs like fertilizer and seed.
Pradip Dave, President, PMFAI
PMFAI made appeals to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; the Emergency Cell of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and State Governments.
We informed the Government that not allowing manufacturing activities of agri inputs during the lockdown period will lead to huge shortages and price rise of pesticides in the fast approaching kharif crop season, commencing in May. It was also informed that kharif season has 75% pesticide consumption from May to September and rabi is 25% (November to January).
Authorities were informed that as the key agricultural “kharif” season begins in May, it is very important to ensure domestic production and supply of pesticides/agrochemicals to farmers to protect crops. Also, as the country will be facing very tough economic situation ahead, it is very important to ensure maximum agricultural productivity by protecting crops from pests and diseases. Securing India’s food security is most important in current situation of COVID-19 pandemic, for which protecting crops and ensuring maximum agricultural productivity will be very key for the nation.
PMFAI informed the authorities that pesticides are used to protect crops from pests and diseases in similar way as medicines are used to treat human diseases. Hence, we appealed that as like production of pharmaceutical and drug manufacturing is allowed to continue production, pesticides being one of the most important agricultural inputs for farmers to protect crops from pests and diseases, also be allowed to continue production with all precautionary measures (screening, social distancing, and sanitation) under Essential Commodities Act.
Considering the PMFAI appeal, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued an Order & 2nd Addendum on 27 March 2020 to the earlier guidelines issued by the Ministry, according nationwide permission to the manufacturing and packaging units of pesticides, fertilizers, and seed to operate during COVID-19 lockdown period. Various State Governments also issued separate guidelines allowing manufacturing, sale, and transportation of pesticides, fertilizers, and seed by inclusion in the Essential Commodities Act.
We are optimistic that the above action will help timely production and supply of all agri inputs including pesticides, which help meet local demand and exports and deter price rises.
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