Context:
A letter to Union ministries has raised concerns over the absence of clear rules for pesticide-coated seeds in India. It has urged mandatory labelling, safety checks and stronger regulation of hazardous chemicals used in seed processing units.
Explanation:
- Pesticide-coated seeds are seeds treated with insecticides, fungicides or other chemicals to protect them from pests and diseases during germination.
- Such treatment may improve crop survival, but it can create risks of accidental consumption, pesticide exposure and environmental contamination.
- Seed treatment can affect farmers, agricultural workers, soil organisms, beneficial insects and possibly food safety if residues persist.
- In India, pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and monitored by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC).
- Seed quality is regulated under the Seeds Act, 1966, but specific rules on treated-seed labelling remain a concern.
- Seed processing units may use hazardous chemicals like concentrated sulphuric acid, requiring effluent treatment and worker safety norms.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu, Live Mint)
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