23 May 2025, Chandigarh: In a decisive move aimed at protecting the international reputation and quality of Punjab’s prized basmati rice, the state government has officially notified a 60-day ban on the sale, distribution, and use of eleven specific insecticides for use on basmati crops. Although the notification was published in the Punjab Government Gazette on May 10, 2025, the enforcement of the ban will begin from August 1, 2025, giving farmers and agri-input dealers time to adapt to the new directive.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, in its official notification dated May 9, outlined that the decision was made in the interest of ensuring that Punjab’s basmati rice remains free from harmful pesticide residues, which could otherwise jeopardize its global demand and compliance with international food safety standards. The notification cites concerns that these insecticides, if continued to be used on basmati crops, pose a risk of exceeding the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set by competent authorities.
Export Rejections
According to the state government, multiple samples of basmati rice tested by the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association were found to have pesticide residue levels far above acceptable limits. These findings had raised serious alarms within the trade and export community. In response, the association appealed to the state for an immediate intervention, citing the risk of export rejections and damage to the brand image of Punjab’s heritage basmati rice.
The notification further mentions that the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has already recommended suitable alternatives for pest control in basmati cultivation, which are considered safer and less likely to leave behind harmful residues. This, the government said, eliminates any operational disadvantage for farmers during the period of the ban.
List of Insecticides Banned
The insecticides banned for use on basmati rice in Punjab for this 60-day window include commonly used formulations such as acephate, buprofezin, chlorpyriphos, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenofos, carbendazim, tricyclazole, tebuconazole, carbofuran, and imidacloprid. These chemicals, though widely used in the past, are now seen as a potential constraint to the safe export and consumption of basmati rice.
Invoking Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the Governor of Punjab has exercised statutory powers to impose this restriction. The ban will be in force throughout the state from August 1 to September 30, 2025. During this period, all formulations of the listed insecticides will be prohibited specifically on the basmati crop.
Hassle-free Export
Administrative Secretary Dr. Basant Garg, in the official gazette notification, emphasized that this proactive measure is essential to ensure the production of high-quality, residue-free basmati rice that meets global standards and secures a hassle-free export process for Punjab’s agricultural stakeholders.
With the state’s basmati crop being a key export commodity, this decision is expected to be a step forward in aligning Punjab’s agricultural practices with evolving international regulatory and market expectations. Farmers are encouraged to consult local agricultural extension services for guidance on recommended alternatives during the transition.
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