Government’s pesticide ban sparks industry concerns over crop production, investment

LAHORE: The federal government’s proposal to ban 12 key agrochemical active ingredients (AIs) has sparked significant apprehension within the agricultural community.

This decision was discussed during the 62nd meeting of the Agricultural Pesticides Technical Advisory Committee (APTAC) and reportedly was made without a consensus among stakeholders or adherence to established statutory processes, as noted by a prominent industry representative.

A senior member of CropLife Pakistan expressed that industry experts are concerned this ban could adversely affect crop production, elevate costs for farmers, and deter investment in the agricultural sector.

Current pesticide regulations in Pakistan clearly indicate that active ingredients should only be prohibited if they are classified under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) categories 1a and 1b or listed in Annexure-III of the Rotterdam Convention.

However, the rationale behind the proposed ban appears non-scientific, neglecting to acknowledge the effective residue management strategies implemented by other nations.

The core issue lies not with the pesticides themselves, but rather with their misuse and inappropriate application. The emphasis should, therefore, be on ensuring proper usage and handling practices to effectively address these problems.

Although managing pesticide residues in rice exports is critical, resorting to a blanket ban is seen as a premature reaction that does not address the underlying causes. An industry representative likened this approach to forbidding life-saving medications due to their misuse, advocating instead for an emphasis on responsible application and regulatory enforcement rather than outright elimination.

The representative further warned that such a ban would lead to substantial consequences. Farmers would be adversely affected as these AIs play a vital role in pest management for crops like rice, wheat, cotton, as well as fruits and vegetables. Their removal could result in diminished yields, rising costs, and potential threats to food security. With limited alternatives available, a sudden move away from these AIs could accelerate pest resistance, complicating future pest control efforts.

Sindh cabinet approves Agriculture Income Tax Bill 2025

Moreover, a sweeping ban could create discrepancies between supply and demand, leading to shortages, disrupting agricultural output, and negatively impacting rural livelihoods.

The agricultural industry fears that this decision could deter foreign investment, as multinational companies have already committed millions to the sector, and such regulatory uncertainty might undermine investor trust in Pakistan’s governance framework. Reduced crop protection would pose a direct challenge to both local food security and international market exports.

Industry experts maintain that the primary concern is not the pesticides themselves, but rather their improper application and storage.

Approximately 50 percent of residue issues arise from mishandling in grain storage facilities, which can be effectively addressed through enhanced training for sheller personnel.

Another significant hurdle is the occurrence of late-season pest outbreaks, for which control options are notably limited. The industry urges the Prime Minister and the Ministry of National Food Security to rethink the ban and instead collaborate on a science-driven solution.

Experts recommend that the government prioritize educating farmers on the proper utilisation of pesticides, implementing residue monitoring and enforcement strategies, providing premium incentives for compliant rice production, and partnering with organizations like REAP and other relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices.