Farmers’ Leader Demands Dissolution of Data Protection Committee on Agrochemicals

13 December 2024, New Delhi: The recent formation of a multi-ministerial committee by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, chaired by Additional Secretary (Plant Protection) Mr. Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, has sparked significant controversy. The committee has been tasked with exploring data protection mechanisms for agrochemical companies, particularly those introducing products whose patents expired over two decades ago. This initiative has drawn sharp criticism from Krishan Bir Chaudhary, President of the Bharatiya Krishak Samaj, who has called for the immediate dissolution of the committee.

Chaudhary expressed grave concerns that the committee’s recommendations could pave the way for multinational corporations (MNCs) to dominate the Indian agrochemical market by creating monopolies and inflating prices. He argued that providing data protection for off-patent molecules would enable these companies to sell agrochemicals at exorbitant rates, placing an unbearable financial burden on farmers. Highlighting the broader implications, he stated that such a move would be detrimental to India’s agricultural economy and counterproductive to the government’s vision of empowering domestic industries.

The opposition to data protection stems from the established global practice of limiting patent protection to 20 years. According to Chaudhary, extending protection beyond this period violates international norms and undermines the core principles of fair competition. He added that any such provision would unfairly extend monopolistic control for MNCs, effectively exploiting Indian farmers and preventing access to affordable alternatives.

Chaudhary pointed to alarming trends in India’s agrochemical imports, which increased from ₹9,041 crore in 2019-2020 to over ₹14,315 crore in 2022-23. He noted that the inflated prices of imported products highlight the need to curb reliance on foreign formulations. For instance, products like Emamectin Benzoate, initially sold by an MNC at ₹10,000 per kilogram in 2007, saw prices drop to ₹2,000 per kilogram once Indian manufacturers entered the market. Similarly, Sulfosulfuron, which was priced at ₹48,000 per kilogram in 2001, is now available at ₹14,800 per kilogram thanks to Indian companies. Acetamiprid, which once cost ₹6,400 per kilogram in 2001-2002, is now sold at just ₹800 per kilogram, an 87% reduction achieved by domestic producers.

One of the most notable success stories is that of Cypermethrin, which was imported three decades ago at $80-100 per kilogram. Today, Indian companies produce it for $8 per kilogram and export it globally at $10 per kilogram, making India the largest producer of Cypermethrin in the world. Chaudhary underscored that such examples highlight the ability of Indian industries to produce high-quality agrochemicals at competitive prices, significantly benefiting the farming community.

In his statement, Chaudhary accused some Indian companies of acting as intermediaries for MNCs, advocating for policies like data protection that undermine domestic industries. He alleged that such companies, driven by vested interests, are lobbying to manipulate regulatory frameworks in favor of foreign corporations, thereby jeopardizing the welfare of Indian farmers.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision, Chaudhary called for the dissolution of the proposed data protection committee. He emphasized the need to support domestic manufacturers that produce affordable, high-quality generic agrochemicals, ensuring fair pricing and widespread availability for farmers. He warned that any move to provide data protection would delay the introduction of generics, inflate costs, and make essential crop protection products inaccessible to small and marginal farmers.

Chaudhary concluded by urging the government to prioritize Indian farmers’ welfare and protect the interests of domestic industries. He stated that policies enabling affordable and accessible agrochemicals would be critical to achieving long-term agricultural sustainability and economic resilience in India.

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