Wednesday, 25 June 2025
In a significant step to safeguard the global reputation and quality of Punjab’s renowned basmati rice, the state government has announced a 60-day prohibition on the sale, distribution, and application of eleven designated insecticides on basmati crops. Although the official notification was issued in the Punjab Government Gazette, the ban will take effect starting August 1, 2025, allowing farmers and agricultural input suppliers time to adjust to the new regulation
In its official notification , the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare stated that the decision was taken to ensure Punjab’s basmati rice remains free from harmful pesticide residues, thereby protecting its global market appeal and compliance with international food safety norms. The notification highlights that continued use of these insecticides on basmati crops could lead to pesticide levels surpassing the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by regulatory authorities.
The state government reported that several basmati rice samples tested by the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association showed pesticide residue levels significantly above permissible limits. These results sparked serious concerns among exporters and traders. In light of the potential for export rejections and harm to the reputation of Punjab’s heritage basmati rice, the association urged the government to take swift action.
The notification also notes that Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has already identified safer and effective alternatives for pest control in basmati farming. These recommended options are less likely to leave harmful residues, ensuring that farmers are not at a disadvantage during the ban period.
A 60-day ban has been imposed on the use of several widely used insecticides in Punjab’s basmati rice cultivation, including acephate, buprofezin, chlorpyriphos, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenofos, carbendazim, tricyclazole, tebuconazole, carbofuran, and imidacloprid. Though previously common in farming practices, these chemicals are now regarded as potential threats to the safe export and consumption of basmati rice due to residue concerns.
Citing powers under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the Governor of Punjab has officially enacted this restriction, which will apply statewide from August 1 to September 30, 2025. During this time, the sale, distribution, and use of all formulations of the listed insecticides on basmati crops will be strictly prohibited.
In the official notification, Administrative Secretary Dr. Basant Garg stressed that this preventive step is crucial to producing residue-free, high-quality basmati rice that complies with international standards, thus supporting smooth export operations for Punjab’s agricultural sector.
Given the importance of basmati rice as a major export product, the move is seen as aligning Punjab’s farming methods with changing global regulatory and market demands. Farmers are advised to consult their local agricultural extension services for guidance on approved and safer pest control alternatives during the transition.
