Government To Table Bill Against Fake Fertilisers And Pesticides In Next Parliament Session

Expressing concern over the growing sale of fake fertilisers, pesticides and unauthorised bio-stimulants being marketed under misleading labels, the government will introduce a bill to tackle the menace in the next session of Parliament.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government is taking comprehensive steps to curb such malpractices that adversely affect farmers.

“A new bill will be introduced in the upcoming Parliament session to curb these issues. Strict laws will be enacted, and stringent actions will be taken against dishonest traders,” he said.

Addressing the ‘Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisan Samman Ceremony’ organised by the Kisan Trust at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Agriculture Minister Chouhan also spoke about the recently passed ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)’, popularly known as ‘G Ram G Law’.

He said the spirit of the legislation is rooted in welfare for the poor.

Under the new law, guaranteed employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days.

The minister noted that allocations under MGNREGA stood at Rs 88,000 crore last year. These were later enhanced to Rs 1 lakh crore and subsequently increased to Rs 1.11 lakh crore.

“Should such large allocations not be meaningfully utilised for rural development works?” he asked, adding that the employment guarantee scheme could not fulfil its true purpose through digging activities alone, which often left room for corruption.

Linking Employment with Village Transformation

The Agriculture Minister said the new law brings significant reforms by linking guaranteed employment with visible transformation in villages.

Each village will prepare its own list of development works, which will then be implemented accordingly.

Employment generation and rural development will progress together. Projects such as the construction of schools, drains, roads, culverts and farm roads will be undertaken.

The minister further said that the law classifies panchayats based on their development and employment needs, with funds allocated accordingly.

It also factors in labourers involved in sowing, harvesting and other agricultural operations. The aim is to strike a healthy balance between farmers and labourers.

Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is working to deliver improved outcomes on the ground. He stressed the need for direct engagement between scientists and farmers to promote the ‘Lab-to-Land’ vision.

As part of this initiative, scientists will visit farms once a year to interact directly with farmers and exchange knowledge. He also urged researchers to ensure their studies are aligned with the real needs of farmers.

Also Read: PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone Of Rs 11,000 Crore Fertiliser Plant In Assam’s Namrup