MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION
AGENDA NOTES
Of
ZONAL CONFERENCE FOR KHARIF 2014 SEASON
ON INPUTS
PLANT PROTECTION AND PESTICIDES
S.NO.
ZONES
1.
North Zone
&
East Zone
14.02.2014 03.30 PM
(Friday)
to
05.30PM
South Zone,
West Zone
&
North Eastern
States
21.02.2014 03.30 PM
(Friday)
to
05.30PM
2.
DATE
TIME
VENUE
Lecture Hall,
NASC Complex,
Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR),
Pusa, New Delhi-110012
DIRECTORATE OF PLANT PROTECTION, QUARANTINE & STORAGE
N.H. IV, FARIDABAD – 121 001
AGENDA NOTES FOR ZONAL CONFERENCE
FOR KHARIF 2014 ON INPUTS
(PLANT PROTECTION & PESTICIDES)
1. PESTICIDES DEMAND AND DISTRIBUTION
1.1
Demand and Consumption of registered Chemical Pesticides and
registered Bio-Pesticides.
No State/UT has reported about the short supply of pesticides and Bio
Pesticides during Rabi, 2013-14 season so for .However, if there is any report
of short supply, the same may be brought to the notice of Dte. of
PPQ&S/Deptt.of Agriculture &Co-operation.
Based on the availability position of pesticides and Bio-pesticides
during Rabi, 2013-14 season, if any states /UTs apprehends the short supply
of any pesticide during Rabi-2013, crop season, the same may be intimated to
facilitate taking corrective course of action for ensuring smooth supply of
pesticides. The demand vis-à-vis consumption of pesticides (Pesticide wise
and total Consumption) during 2013-14 and projected demand for the year
2014-15 (Kharif & Rabi) have been called for from States/UTs as per
Annexure-I and Annexure-II.
1.2
Pesticides Distribution Points
States/UTs are required to monitor the availability of pesticides at
various levels and periodically for review of the production and availability of
pesticides with the manufacturers/formulators/distributors located in their
respective States/UTs. Therefore, the States/UTs are required to provide their
sale/distribution points as on 13.1.01.2014 in Annexure-III.
1.3
Area under use of Chemical and Bio-pesticides
The States are required to provide information on area under
cultivation where in Chemical Pesticides and Bio-pesticides are used .The
same may be given in prescribed format as per Annexure-IV.
1.4
Insecticides Inspectors in the States.
Every States/UTs is required to give details of Insecticide Inspectors in
the States as on 13.01.14 in prescribed Performa as per Annexure-V.
1.5
Commodity & Crop wise consumption of Indigenous Pesticides
(Chemical & Bio.)
Every States/UTs is required to submit consumption of indigenous
pesticides (chemical and Bio) commodity wise, such as cereals, pulses, fiber,
vegetables, oilseed and fruit crops etc. as per Annexure-VI.
1.6
Commodity & Crop wise consumption of Imported Pesticides (Chemical
& Bio.)
Every States/UTs is required to submit consumption of imported pesticides
(chemical and Bio) commodity wise, such as cereals, pulses, fiber,
vegetables, oilseed and fruit crops etc. as per Annexure-VII.
1.7
Prices of Pesticides (indigenous/ imported)
All the States/UTs are required to give the information of prices of
various pesticides and Bio pesticides (indigenous/ imported) in their
States/UTs for the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 in prescribed format as per
Annexure-VIII & Annexure-IX
2. IMPLEMENTATION OF INSECTICIDES ACT, 1968 AND RULES FRAMED
THEREUNDER
2.1 SAFETY STATUS IN USE OF PESTICIDES
As per Section 26 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the States/UTs are required to
notify the functionaries to send information on all the cases of pesticide poisoning
coming within their cognizance to the Central Government. This information is essential
for enabling the Central Government to take policy decisions as well as informing the
Parliament regarding the magnitude of pesticide poisoning as and when asked for.
(i) Current status of pesticides poisoning cases
A number of pesticide poisoning cases are reported from different parts of the
country. The causes can be attributed due to lack of information on safe and judicious
use of pesticides. The current status of poisoning cases and deaths are collected
from the States/ UTs during the zonal conferences. The States/UTs should periodically
report the poisoning cases in the prescribed format (Annexure X).
(ii) Status of notification of functionaries for reporting poisoning cases
As per Section 26 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the States/UTs are required to
notify the functionaries for reporting the occurrences of pesticide poisoning cases
coming to their cognizance. This need to be expedited.
(iii) Training programme for farmers on safety of pesticides in use
The improper, excessive and careless use and handling of pesticides may prove
injurious to man, domesticated animals and environment as well. It has been found that
the farmers/hired labourers are not aware of the hazards involved in use and spraying
of pesticides and do not use any protective clothing.
Therefore, the State
Governments/Union Territories should organize safety campaigns at short intervals to
educate the farmers on “Safe and judicious use of pesticides”. In addition, during
spraying operation the extension functionaries of the State Deptt. of Agriculture and
multipurpose workers in the State Department of Health should ensure that safety
precautions should be actually observed by the spray men while spraying pesticide.
Action taken:
 Medical Toxicology Division of Central Insecticides Laboratory imparted training to
officers/officials of KVK and University of Karnal on “Pesticide Poisoning – Safety and
First Aid Measures” held at Regional Agriculture Office, Karnal.
2.2 Quality Control of Pesticides
Central and State Governments are making concerted efforts to ensure timely
availability of quality pesticides to the farming community. For this purpose, the Central
Government has been emphasizing the need for implementation of the provisions of the
Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Rules framed there under by the States/UTs. More
scrupulously, the enforcement of various provisions of the Insecticides Act mainly rests
with the State Government. The Act has provisions for notification of four important
functionaries for this purpose. These functionaries are (i) Licensing Officers (ii)
Appellate Authorities (iii) Insecticides Inspectors and (iv) Insecticides Analysts. Most of
the States and UTs have notified these functionaries.
2.3 State Pesticide Testing Laboratories (SPTLs)
23 States and 1 UT have set up 68 Pesticides Testing Laboratories (PTLs) with
an annual capacity to analyze over 71,315 samples for monitoring the quality status of
pesticides. The details regarding location of these PTLs with their capacity to analyze
samples are given at Annexure-XI.
The Central Government has also set up a CIL as a National Referral Laboratory
u/s. 16 of The Insecticide Act, 1968. The details of samples analyzed at CIL during the
preceding 5 years are given at Annexure-XII.
The details about samples analyzed at SPTLs are given at Annexure- XIII
Ministry of Agriculture has also set up two Regional Pesticides Testing
Laboratories at Chandigarh and Kanpur under the Directorate of Plant Protection
Quarantine & Storage, Faridabad. The objectives of the RPTLs are to supplement the
resources of the States/UTs in quality control testing of pesticides. Analysis Capacity of
RPTLs during the current year 2013-14 from October, 2013 has been enhanced from
2200 to 5600 samples per annum. The testing facility of RPTLs is extended to only such
States/UTs which do not have pesticides testing laboratories or have inadequate testing
facilities in existing SPTLs. The details of samples analyzed at RPTLs during the last
five years are given at Annexure-XIV.
Status of action taken by the State Governments on misbranded pesticides samples
during the preceding five years are given at Annexure-XV. State Governments are
requested to fill up the format regarding the infrastructure of Units action taken statistics
by them as per Annexure-XVI.
2.4 QUALITY CONTROL OF BIO-PESTICIDES:
States have been requested to set up their own Bio-Pesticides Testing
laboratories. Provision of Rs. 20.0 Lakh as Grants-in aid has been provided in the EFC
for the equipment. Proposals from some of the States have been received and are in
progress. Financial approval and sanction of Rs.20 Lakh for procurement of equipment
and miscellaneous items for strengthening of State Bio-Pesticide Testing Laboratory
(SBTL) has been issued to the Govt. of Sikkim and Rajasthan. Proposals for
strengthening of SBTLs in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh are under
process.
2.5 Grants-in-Aid for Strengthening/Setting up of SPTLs
States have been provided the Grants-in-Aid to strengthen the facilities in
existing pesticides testing laboratories and also for setting up of new SPTLs. Grants-inAid to the tune of Rs. 315.00 lakhs, Rs. 240.00 lakhs, Rs.135.0 Lakhs, Rs.45 Lakh and
again Rs. 45.0 Lakh have already been released to the States/UTs for construction of
new laboratory buildings during the year 2004-05, 2005-06 2007-08, 2010-11 and
2011-12 respectively. Some of the State Governments have been provided the
sophisticated equipment for strengthening of the existing facilities of SPTLs during the
year 2004-05 , 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09,2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. As decided
by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, States/UTs which do not have any
SPTL have been advised of the minimum requirement of infrastructure, manpower and
equipment etc. so that they can submit their proposals accordingly. Response from all
such States which do not have any SPTLs is not encouraging. They are, again,
requested to send proposals for setting up and strengthening of new SPTLs for quality
control of pesticides. A statement showing Grants-in-Aid to the State/UT may be seen
at AnnexureXVII. The States, which have received Grants-in-aid for construction of
new laboratories in their State are required to furnish the Utilization Certificates and
there after status of minimum infrastructure facility developed and trained manpower
provided in the new laboratory, so that sophisticated equipment may be provided to the
newly setup SPTLs. Utilization certificate of the Grants in aid released to some of the
State during the 8th, 9th plan and the year, 2003-04, 2004-05,2005-06 and 2007-08 have
also not been received despite of repeated request and duly discussed in the previous
Zonal Conferences. The competent authority had decided in the year 2012-13.that the
states which have not utilized the grants-in-aid need to surrender the same at the
earliest.
2.6 NABL accreditation for State Pesticides Testing Laboratories (SPTLs)
In the previous zonal conference, states had been requested to get NABL
accreditation for the State Pesticides Testing Laboratories. Letters regarding furnishing
the NABL status of the state laboratories were written by PPA and Techno-Legal Cell in
the month of October, 2012 and March,2013 respectively. As per communication
received from the states till date, only 7 laboratories i.e. Pune, Aurangabad and Thane
in Maharashtra, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Bhatinda in Punjab and Shimoga in Karnataka
have been accredited by NABL. No report of progress in this regard has been received
from other States/UT. States are again requested to take up this matter with NABL
authorities under Department of Science & Technology (DST) for accreditation of their
SPTLs .
2.7 Setting up of Task Force in Special Campaign for Quality Control
States/UTs are requested to constitute special flying squads comprising senior
officers of the Agriculture Department to draw samples for quality monitoring during
peak period of cropping season. Emphasis may be given on sampling of the product
which is reported to be less effective or ineffective by the farmers or any other sources.
Close watch should be kept on fly by operators trying to push spurious pesticides into
the market.
2.8 Utilization of analysis capacities of SPTLs
The statistics provided by the States, show that the analysis capacity of SPTLs is
not fully utilized. The Insecticide Inspectors may be directed to draw particularly the
samples of those manufacturers of pesticides whose samples have not been drawn in
the past/have not been found misbranded so that not only the analysis capacity of
SPTLs is fully utilized but quality check is also enhanced by analysis of more samples. It
is necessary to ensure that the samples are drawn uniformly from all
manufacturers/retailers ,etc.
2.9 Grading of Pesticides Industries for optimum drawl of Pesticides Samples
As already discussed in previous Zonal Conferences, States/UTs Govt. are to
make grading of the Pesticides Formulator/Manufacturer based on their performances
in previous years and targets for sample drawl for the State enforcement
Inspectors/Officers be fixed accordingly. It may also be ensured that, samples are
drawn in such a manner to meet the total utilization of analysis capacity of SPTLs in the
State.
2.10 Written Consent of the State Government for Launching Prosecution
by the Central Insecticide Inspectors
Central Insecticides Inspectors of the Directorate of P.P.Q&S. have been given
specific targets for drawl of Pesticides Samples. The CIIs ought to initiate legal
proceeding on misbranded pesticides sample as per provisions of the Insecticides Act,
1968. Under such circumstances, the prosecution is required to be launched by the CII
against the dealer/distributor/manufacturer/formulator of pesticides, for which written
consent of the concerned State Government is required under the provision of the
Insecticides Act, 1968. It has been observed that some of the States have not given the
written consent to the concerned CII timely to initiate the launching of the prosecution
for misbranded samples, which defeats very purpose of drawl of pesticides samples and
taking of action against the supplier/ manufacturer of misbranded pesticides. States/UTs
are, therefore, advised not to delay the granting of written consent to the Central
Insecticides Inspectors and all the cases pending in their States may be cleared
expeditiously.
2.11 Availability of Minimum Infrastructure Facilities with the Licensed
Formulator/ Manufacturer of Pesticides
State/UT Governments are required to grant licenses to the registered
formulator/manufacturer of pesticides after ensuring strict compliance and
implementation of guidelines for minimum infrastructure facilities at the premises of
registered formulator/manufacturer. Off-late, many complaints have been received by
the Central Government that the licensed formulator/manufacturer of pesticides in the
States have not properly followed these guidelines as required for granting licenses by
the State Governments.
States/UTs are therefore, to ensure strict compliance and implementation of
guidelines for minimum infrastructure facilities by the formulator/manufacturer before
granting licenses as per the provision of the Insecticides Act, 1968. Licenses issued to
defaulter formulator/manufacturing units may be reviewed and canceled forthwith.
Issues for Consideration
A. Each SPTL should have requisite functional sophisticated equipment viz. UVVisible Spectrophotometer, HPLC, GLC & FT-IR etc.
B. Strengthening SPTLs to undertake analysis of various groups of newly
introduced pesticides including those which have been recently registered
/introduced for controlling specific weeds, insect pests and diseases.
C. Deployment of notified Insecticides Inspectors for drawl of samples prevalent in
that area including technical grade materials from the premises of
manufacturing/formulating units, stocking, distribution and sale points for
monitoring the quality of pesticides.
D. Timely furnishing the details of action taken and related statistics on monthly
basis regarding suppliers of misbranded/substandard or spurious pesticides.
E. Special campaign for Quality Control during peak cropping season, emphasis
may be given on sampling of product, which is reported to be less effective or
ineffective by farmers or any other source.
F. States may take up matter for NABL Accreditation of SPTLs.
G. Utilization of Grants-in-aid released to the States for strengthening the analytical
facilities of their SPTLs and construction of new SPTLs and furnishing utilization
certificate.
H. Issuing mandatory consent u/w 31 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 to Central
Insecticides Inspectors for launching prosecution against the dealer and
manufacturer of misbranded pesticides.
I. States/UTs may review and ensure compliance of guidelines for minimum
infrastructure facilities at the premises of registered formulator/manufacturer at
the time of issue of licenses.
3. REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDES:
The Parliament enacted an Act, called “The Insecticides Act, 1968”, to regulate the
import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of pesticides to prevent the
risk to human beings, animals and environment; and for the matters connected
therewith. Pesticides are toxic in nature and are required to be used judiciously with
specified precautions to safeguard the users, animals, wild life and the Environment.
The Registration Committee (RC) constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act,
1968 is well aware of the emerging pest problems in the country and has been
approving the uses of new pesticides; new formulations of already registered
pesticides and label expansion of already registered formulations to combat the pest
problems of various crops in the country. As on 15-01-2013 total 834 pesticides
have been included in the Schedule to the Act by the Government of India by
issuing the Gazette Notifications from time to time and listed on the website
www.cibrc.nic.in
3.1 REGISTRATION OF BIO-PESTICIDES:
To promote the Integrated Pest Management approach and to reduce the use of
chemical pesticides, Registration Committee has registered 22 bio-pesticides(19
microbial bio-pesticides and 3 botanical bio-pesticides) for use in the country, 14 (12
microbial bio-pesticides and 2 botanical bio-pesticides) of them have been registered
u/s 9(3) (Annexure-XVIII). As many as 46 bio-pesticides have been included in the
Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968. For quality control of bio-pesticides,
Government of India has notified, vide Gazette notification G.S.R. 756 (E) dated 15 th
December 2006, the 8 Laboratories in different States to function as Central
Insecticides Laboratory in respect of bio-pesticides (Annexure- XIX).
3. 2. REGISTERED, BANNED AND RESTRICTED PESTICIDES:
As on 31.12.2013, total 246 pesticides have been granted regular registration under
Section 9(3) of the Insecticides Act, 1968 for use in the country( except Endosulfan
which has been banned for production, use & sale all over India, till further Order , by
the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India by the interim order in a Writ Petition) (AnnexureXX). Whereas, 28 pesticides and 4 insecticide formulations have been banned for
import, manufacture and use in the country Uses of 7 pesticides have been withdrawn
(Annexure-XXI). 18 pesticides have been refused registration in the country
(Annexure-XXII) and restrictions have been imposed on 13 other pesticides
(Annexure-XXIII).
3. 3 MAINTENANCE OF DATABASE OF MANUFACTURING LICENSES:
During previous zonal conferences, it has been repeatedly emphasized to send a yearly
statement of valid manufacturing licenses issued by the states, but the information has
not been received from States/UTs. To maintain database on this aspect, all the
States/UTs need to send consolidated yearly statement in the month of January every
year to enable the Ministry in facilitating policy and other decision making in respect of
quality and manufacture of pesticides.
3. 4 ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
a) The Regulatory Authorities in the States/UTs, for enforcement of the provisions
of Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971, are to ensure proper use
of registered pesticides as per the conditions stipulated in the Certificates of
Registration granted by the Registration Committee .
b) Bio-pesticides and less toxic environment friendly pesticides may be encouraged
to promote the IPM strategy in the country.
Yearly statement of valid manufacturing licenses issued by the States/UTs, to
pesticide manufacturers, may be provided in the month of January every year.
4. PROMOTION OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
4.1
Promotion of Integrated Pest Management Related Issues and Specific
Focus on Critical Pests and Diseases for Kharif Crops
Change in the cropping system approach aiming at higher productivity coupled
with aberrant weather conditions in the recent past provided conducive field
conditions for the multiplication of various pests and diseases of different crops
particularly in States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Andaman &
Nicobar Islands, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar state
etc. This lead to repeated use of chemical pesticides and farmers ignored the
IPM package of practices by resorting to indiscriminate use of pesticides.
This in turn proved to be counter-productive and to adverse affects on the
population of naturally occurring bio-control agents/bio-pesticides in the farmers’
fields. To rebuild the ecosystem, States have to take corrective measures to
initiate implementation of IPM package of practices during the ensuing Kharif
Season. Following key considerations may be kept in mind while finalizing the
Action Plan for adopting Integrated Pest Management strategy for Kharif, 2014.
4.2 Pest & disease situation
During Kharif 2013, insects-pest/ disease situation remained normal below
ETL in general. However, moderate to severe incidence of Rice blast in Burdwan
district in West Bengal was reported. Beside this the severe incidence of
Grasshopper was also reported on Sugarcane crop in Malda District in West
Bengal. Moderate to severe incidence of budrot disease of Coconut was reported
in certain localities of Kerela State. Low to moderate incidence of cotton white fly
and leaf curl virus was reported in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana states. Low to
moderate incidence of white fly was also reported in Nagpur & Vidharbha region
of Maharashtra State. Low to moderate intensity of caseworm in rice crop was
reported on Mohanpur District of Mizoram state. Low to moderate intensity of
leaf-curl virus & white fly was reported in Hanuman Garh district (Rajasthan) &
Bhatinda, Muktsar, SBS nagar dist. of Punjab state. Hisar, Jind district of
Haryana states, Low to moderate intensity of Leaf spot in coconut in certain
localities of Odisha state and Alternaria leaf blotch in apple crop in Anantnag,
Kupwara district of J&K states was also reported.
4.3 Pest and Disease Survey
Surveillance of kharif crops to monitor insect pest and disease situation is
essential and States are advised to constitute survey teams and finalize the
survey routes of major crops well in advance. The hot spots of pest/disease
should be identified and survey efforts in such areas should be intensified to
know the pest/disease situation at the initial stage itself. The present trained
manpower as Master Trainers and Agricultural extension Officers (AEOs) may be
deployed for conducting such surveys in the States. Central IPM Centres conduct
rapid roving surveys on weekly interval basis especially in pests/ diseases prone
areas so as to advise the states on any likely increase of pest’s build-up. All the
States are advised to maintain close liaison with the respective CIPMCs for
taking any precautionary measures.
At present CIPMCs have been undertaking Pest Surveillance and
Monitoring at their own in limited area which does not serve the actual purpose.
Crop Surveillance and Advisory Project (CROPSAP) for Soybean. Cotton,
Pigeon- pea and Chickpea in Maharashtra and e-pest surveillance (Awareness
cum surveillance programme for management of major pests in mustard crop) is
being implemented. These programmes can also be clubbed together with
certain modification and CIPMCs can also be involved as stakeholder in their
area of jurisdiction.
4.5 Pest Surveillance and Advisory System
It has been observed that there is no uniformity in the system of pest
surveillance and in the efforts of various agencies viz., State Agriculture
Departments, ICAR Institutes, SAUs and CIPMCs involved in Pest Surveillance
and Advisory System in the country. The existing system of reporting,
compilation and distribution of data on pest surveillance varying from one to
another agency result in inadequate convergence of data which lead to
incomplete and multiple advisories in adopting pest management strategies.
Hence, there is an urgent need to improve the present system of pest
surveillance by using the latest tools of Information Communication technology
(ICT) by deploying data input devices with Global Positioning System (GPS) to
transmit data directly from the field to the server.
The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC) has been working on
developing eco-friendly IPM technologies in different crop agro-ecosystems and
a three tier Pest Surveillance and Advisory system at National, State and District
levels has been working for effective data convergence and, appropriate and
timely advisories to the farmers. The state Governments are suggested to set
up State Pest Surveillance and Advisory Unit (SPSAU) and District Pest
Surveillance and Advisory Unit (DPSAU) at state and district level respectively.
So far AP, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, UP, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, West Bengal and Karnataka States have constituted
State and District Pest Surveillance and Advisory Units (SPSAU/ DPSAU). All the
states are requested to conduct SPSAU meeting regularly on 4th day of each
month so as to review the pest/disease situation and furnishing the progress on
pest incidence, area affected, area treated efforts made/being made, etc. to
DAC. In-charges, CIPMCs are also instructed to submit report of SPSAU to Dte.
of PPQ&S, Faridabad by 7th day of each month. All the States that have not yet
made progress are to come prepared with the details of constituting State Pest
Surveillance and Advisory Unit (SPSAU) and District Pest Surveillance and
Advisory Unit (DPSAU) so that the same could be discussed during the Zonal
Conference.
4.6 Pest/Disease Monitoring Information System (PDMIS)
Pest/disease situations reported by Central Integrated Pest Management
Centres (CIPMCs), Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage
(PPQ&S) takes major inputs from State Agricultural/Horticulture Departments for
preparing the consolidated report on prevailing crop wise pest/disease situation
in the country. Presently, only Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil
Nadu and Maharashtra states are updating pests/ diseases situation through the
PDMIS. Other states are requested to take necessary steps so as to update the
information on pests/ diseases through this system for taking further steps timely.
PDMIS is developed for state govt. to report:
4.7 Availability of pesticides in the state.
District wise crop area, affected crop area and treated crop area.
Crop wise pest/disease found in the reported districts may be submitted to the
Directorate. The states are requested to bring such data with them if not
submitted.
4.8 Seed treatment Campaign
The seed treatment is use and application of biological and chemical
agents that control or contain primary soil and seed borne infection/infestation of
insects and diseases which pose devastating consequences to crop production
and improving crop safety leading to good establishment of healthy and vigorous
plants resulting in better yields. Keeping in view the importance of seed
treatment to achieve better crop stand of major crops, and the fact that many
farmers in the country do not follow/adopt this practice, adoption of seed
treatment by the farmers across the country require effective extension strategies
and making the appropriate bio- products/chemicals available to the farmers at
their doorstep. Preference should be given to bio-control agents/products for
treating the seeds before sowing or even for storage purpose, as recommended.
The farmers are also required to be trained/made aware of the methods of seed
treatment, post treatment- handling of the seeds and planting materials.
Government of India has therefore, launched a country wide campaign for
ensuring 100% seed treatment in all important crops during coming Kharif
season. Pesticide industry associations, ATMAs, CIPMCs, KVKs, Farmers Clubs,
SAUs, NGOs, etc. can play an important role in the campaign for 100% seed
treatment and hence, their participation is solicited.
4.9 Human Resource Development
Current thrust in IPM implementation relates to Human Resource
Development. During the past 20 years emphasis has been laid to develop
skilled human resources in the States by imparting training to Master Trainers
and AEOs after conducting of 58 (up to January 2014) Season Long Training
Courses. In these courses, a total number of 1991 Master Trainers have been
trained on IPM in various agriculture/horticulture crops. Under the Farmers’ Field
Schools (FFSs) programme, since 1994-95 to 2012-2013 a total of 17.70 FFSs
have been conducted and 58,365 AEOs and 4,31,858 farmers have been trained
in IPM skills. During 2013-14 (Kharif season), total 359 FFSs were conducted
upto December 2013 wherein 110 AEOs and 10,770 farmers were trained by
CIPMCs. 55 nos. of two days & 7 Nos. Of five day training programmes under
HRDP were also conducted by CIPMCs upto December 2013.
During 2013-14, four SLTPs on Groundnut by CIPMC Baroda on Soyabean by
CIPMC Indore, Sugarcane by CIPMC Gorakhpur and wheat crop by CIPMC
Jalandhar was organised. States may utilize services of trained Master Trainers
and AEOs for conducting of FFSs. During the FFSs and SLTP programmes the
women farmers have also been trained. Emphasis should be given to associate
women farmers and farmers of the weaker sections of the society in future IPM
training programmes. NGOs participation in the IPM programme would help in
intensification of the state efforts.
4.10 Conservation of Bio-control agents
The plant protection functionaries of the State Departments of
Agriculture/Horticulture are by now well conversant with potential
Parasitoids/pathogens and predators of major crop pests. The survey team may
give high priority for recording population count of such bio-control agents and
guide the farmers about the pest defender ratio and try to save them from
pesticide sprays.
4.11 Area Coverage under IPM Activities
Organization of FFS, Pest surveillance, Conservation and Augmentation
of Bio-control agents are the main IPM activities being conducted in the states.
The states are required to furnish the area coverage under these activities and
the total area coverage by these activities in a separate statement as per
Annexure XXIV for the year 2012-13 and 13-14 up to December, 2013. The
states are also required to furnish the details of ongoing State Bio-control
Laboratories (SBCL) activities which mainly includes the number of Biocontrol agents/bio-pesticides multiplied in these laboratories in their states as
per AnnexureXXV
4.12 Promotion of bio-control and Grant-in-aid
Under certain situation, it becomes essential to supplement the field
population of parasitoids, predators and pathogens by releases of field collected
or laboratory reared bio-control agents and use of bio-pesticides (Bacillus
thuringiensis, Trichoderma, NPV).
In this direction, various biocontrol
laboratories under the control of Central and State Governments are massproducing such eco-friendly IPM inputs. In addition, private entrepreneurs and
NGOs are also producing and marketing these bio-agents / bio-pesticides who
are ready to supply the material on placement of advance firm orders.
To supplement the State efforts, grants-in-aids has been earmarked to the
States/UTs for the establishment of 38 State Bio control Laboratories (SBCLs).
So far, a sum of Rs. 1772.00 lakh has already been released to the States for
construction of Laboratory building and procurement of equipment and vehicles.
Statement showing funds allocated, amount spent and unspent balances against
the States during VIII to X Plans for the establishment of State Biological Control
Laboratories (SBCLs) under the scheme “Strengthening and Modernization of
Pest Management Approach in India” is enclosed as (Annexure-). Out of which
the utilization certificate of Rs. 1432.73 lakh has been received and UC for Rs.
5.68 lakh has been surrendered by the states and the UC for Rs. 333.59 lakh is
still awaited from various states (Annexure-XXVI).
Grants-in-aid is proposed to be given to NGOs for setting up of State Bio-control
Laboratories in the form of subsidy @ Rs, 5.00 lakh per Laboratory for purchase
of equipments subject to the conditions given in guidelines. The guidelines have
already been circulated to all the States. The same may be brought to the notice
of all concerned. So far, administrative approval of competent authority for
purchase of laboratory equipments have been issued to 19 NGOs while financial
sanction and release of funds to 15 NGOs has been made.
4.13 Coordination of State IPM activities
Financial assistance are pouring in the States from various agencies like
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation’s TMOP, Crops Division, Plant
Protection Division of Government of India, State Departments of Agriculture,
Department of Bio-Technology etc. To derive full benefit of these resources,
States may consider constituting a Coordination Cell headed by a single Nodal
Officer to coordinate and make better use of these financial inputs for the benefit
of the farmers. In this direction, State IPM Steering Committee may be
constituted which can advise the States to ensure proper implementation of all
the IPM programmes.
The pest surveillance and monitoring should be given top priority at the
State level for timely forewarning of pests / diseases for taking timely IPM
measures. For this purpose, each State/UT should identify one nodal officer of
the rank of Joint Director of Agriculture for prior planning and implementation of
programme in the States.
4.14 Proposal for setting up bio-pesticides testing facilities in Regional
CIPMCs-regarding
Proposal for setting up bio-pesticides testing facilities in Regional CIPMCs
at Bangalore, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Faridabad and Nagpur has been approved
in EFC for XI Plan to ensure quality of microbial bio-pesticides to the farmers.
The Regional CIPMCs are being provided equipments and man power and are
expected to start work very soon.
Issues for Consideration
(i)
Priority should be given for pest surveillance and systematic monitoring of
insect pests and diseases for timely forewarning and their effective
management.
(ii)
Major emphasis should be given on seed treatment with biopesticides/fungicides to combat the seed borne disease problems.
(iii
Pest Disease Monitoring Information System (PDMIS) has been developed
by NIC for on line reporting pest situation by the States/UTs. It has been
observed that only a few States are reporting the desired information.
Hence, all the States/UTs are requested to send the latest pest situation
on-line through the System.
(iv)
State Bio-control Laboratories should be made fully functional for
production of bio-control agents/bio-pesticides to meet the increasing
demand from farmers. If not made functional so far, immediate steps
should be taken in this direction.
(v)
All States and UTs must try to utilize released amount of Grants-in-aid
during the same financial year, and submit the utilization certificates (UCs)
in time to Government of India. If funds could not be utilized during
release year, revalidation be sought in the next financial year at the
earliest.
(vi)
All States/UTs must furnish monthly technical progress report of activities
undertaken at SBCLs of their State to Directorate of Plant Protection,
Quarantine & Storage, N.H.-IV, Faridabad.
(vii)
Quality control standards already developed for the bio-pesticides may be
used for monitoring their quality in their SBCLs by creating facilities
required for the same.
(viii)
Human Resource Development in IPM should be given top priority for
improving the knowledge and skill of agricultural extension officers and
farmers.
(ix)
States should ensure positioning of all IPM trained personnel exclusively
for the IPM activities including IPM training to their persons.
(x)
States should ensure participation of NGOs, Panchayat Raj Institutions,
NGOs, private entrepreneurs and Cooperative Sectors fully in all IPM
programmes.
(xi)
IPM package of practices have been developed for 77 crops are now
being revised which would be circulated to all the States/UTs for use by
them in Plant Protection Programmes. The revised IPM 77 Packages
would be placed on Directorate’ website www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin for their
utilization by the beneficiaries. States should also bring all IPM activities
under the Computer Network for easy accessibility of information to the
end users.
(xii)
All the States/UTs should translate relevant IPM package of practices in
local languages for use of farmers of their States.
(xiii)
All States/UTs are to ensure timely submission of agenda note for each
Zonal Conference (Kharif & Rabi) on inputs required to Dte, of PPQ&S,
Faridabad so that information could be compiled for discussion during the
conference.
5. Locust Monitoring and Control
The scheme Locust Control and Research is being implemented through Locust
Warning Organization (LWO) established in 1939 and later on merged with Directorate
of Plan Protection, Quarantine & Storage in 1946. The Locust Warning Organization
(LWO) monitors locust development/ activities over an area of about 2,00,000 sq km of
the Scheduled Desert Area (SDA) in the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat and partly in
the state of Punjab and Haryana .LWO has 10 Circle Offices located at Palanpur, Bhuj
(Gujarat State),Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer , Jalore, Phalodi, Nagaur, Suratgarh and
Churu (Rajasthan State) with its field Headquarters at Jodhpur and a Central
Headquarter Faridabad. Besides, there is one Field Station for Investigations on
Locusts (FSIL) situated at Bikaner. LWO maintains its own wireless network for
exchanging information on locust survey and control activities between Locust Circle
Offices, Field Headquarters Jodhpur and Central Hqrs, Faridabad. Satisfactory locust
control potential is being maintained in the form of road worthy vehicles, ready to use
pesticides, plant protection equipments, wireless sets and trained technical, wireless
communication and mechanical staff.
5.1 Desert Locust Situation;During the year 2013, India remained free from gregarious Desert Locust activity
so far. However, low numbers of solitary adults of desert locust ranging from 10-15
adult/ hectare in the month of June, 3-35 in the month July, 2-44 in the month August, 320 in the month September, 2-100 in the month October, and 2-10 in the month
November 2013 have been reported at different localities in the District in Bikaner and
Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan. However, no population of locust was seen in the
month of December. LWO staff is keeping constant watch over desert locust activities
throughout the scheduled Desert Area in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat for any
eventuality. Due to fall in temperature, trace to low rainfall, and drying out the
vegetation, there is no possibility of locust developments during Winter season.
State governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat are requested to keep constant
vigil on the desert locust activities through their field staff and if any activity of Desert
Locust is seen, the same may be communicated to In-charge of nearest Locust Circle
Offices (LCOs) of their areas for necessary action by Central Government..
6. PLANT QUARANTINE:
In view of globalization and liberalization of international trade in agriculture,
the States/UTs are also required to play an important role in the international trade of
plants and plant materials under sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement under WTO.
The following issues are of significance that needs interaction:
6.1 Export certification of plants and plant materials:
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Union Ministry of Agriculture has
notified various officers of the State governments for issue of Phytosanitary Certificates
(PSCs) for the agricultural commodities meant for export to facilitate the exports from
the country. The Certifying Officers are required to maintain proper inspection
procedures so as to export pest free agricultural commodities. To streamline &
harmonize the procedure and in view of stringent inspection by the importing country,
Standard Operating Procedure for “Export Inspection & Phytosanitary Certification of
Plant/ Plant Products & Other Regulated Articles” has been developed and adopted.
In the recent past, India has been receiving increasing number of noncompliances on exported consignments from importing countries especially from EU.
These notifications are mostly due to non-compliances of ISPM-15 while others are for
interception of live insect pests and other deficiencies in the exported consignments.
Hence, it has become more imperative to conduct proper export inspection &
certification of the commodities to be exported.
6.2 Compliance of ISPM-15 on Export of Wood Packaging Materials:
As per IPPC provisions, all importing countries require that the Wood Packaging
Materials (WPM) / dunnage used in all kinds of goods and agricultural commodities
should be either fumigated with Methyl bromide or Heat treated by the registered
treatment providers to ensure that it is free from pests. These service providers have
been accredited by the Dte. of PPQ&S details of which are available on website
www.plantquarantineindia.org .These treatment providers are authorized to put ISPM15 Stamp on treated WPM / dunnage. If the said stamps are not appeared on WPM,
these reflect non-compliances of ISPM-15. All PSC issuing authorities / export
promotion personals are advised to ensure ISPM-15 stamps on WPM to avoid any noncompliance from the importing countries and adverse effects on our exports.
6.3 On line Application for PSC and Introduction of New pre-printed Stationary
for the same:
India has introduced Plant Quarantine Information System (PQIS) in the country
w.e.f.
January, 2011. To avoid the duplicacy and provide transparency system in
Phytosanitary certification, new pre-printed stationary having security features has also
been developed which has been put in operation w. e. f. 1st January, 2011. State PSC
issuing authorities are requested to be connected with this system and accept online
application for issuance of PSCs.
1st
Online payment facility was started in May 2012.One officer from Headquarter, Plant
Quarantine Division, Faridabad was nominated for checking the e-mail created for
receiving MPR from bank and inform bank for refund cases. NIC provided training to
him/her to operate the system (downloading MPR, uploading files in PQIS, generate
reports and intimate bank about refund cases).
6.4 Grants-in-aid released to State PSC issuing authorities:
During the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08. grants-in-aid has
been provided to various State PSC issuing authorities to strengthen /equip their
laboratory with latest equipments for carrying out export inspection. Bihar, Goa,
Nagaland , Mizoram and Tripura have sent Utilization Certificate (UC) for the amount
released to them while Gujarat, J&K, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
have sent the UC for part of the funds released to them, but the others are yet to send
the Utilization Certificates. The states are requested to send the same immediately. If
funds remain unspent, the sanction may be got revalidated from DAC for incurring
expenditure during this current financial year. The details are at Annexure XXVII.
Points for discussion
i.
NPPO of India has been receiving a large number of non-compliances in the
recent past on the consignments exported from India, particularly in respect
wood packaging material (WPM) and fresh fruits and vegetables.
ii.
In view of this, all PSC issuing authorities are advised to ensure strict compliance
of ISPM-15 on WPM / dunnage accompanying consignments exported from India
to avoid any non-compliance from the importing countries resulting in adverse
effects on Indian exports.
iii.
State PSC issuing authorities are requested to follow Plant Quarantine
Information System and issue PSC on pre-printed stationary only so that
exporters may not suffer. The exporters / importers may be motivated to make
inspection and suspension etc fee through online.
iv.
PSC issuing authorities who have not submitted Utilization Certificate of grant-inaid till date should submit the same urgently.
v.
Necessary laboratory facilities for inspection/export certification may be
developed to ensure pest free export of agricultural commodities.
vi.
Documentation/inspection/treatment procedures for export certification may be
strengthened and maintained properly.
vii.
Periodical Report on issuance of PSCs in prescribed Performa should be
submitted at regular intervals.