Regd. No. NW/CH-22 Regd. No. CHD/0092/2018-2020 PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), AUGUST 14, 2020
(SRVN 23, 1942 SAKA)
EXTRAORDINARY
Published by Authority
CHANDIGARH, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020
(SRAVANA 23, 1942 SAKA)
LEGISLATIVE SUPPLEMENT
Contents Pages
Part - I Acts
Nil
Part - II Ordinances
Nil
Part - III Delegated Legislation
Notification No. S.O. 26/C.A.46/1968/ S.27/2020, dated the 14.08.2020, prohibiting the sale, stock, distribution and use of all types of formulations of the insecticides indicated in the Table, in the State of Punjab for a period of sixty days. .. 369-370
Part - IV Correction Slips, Republications and
Replacements
Nil
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( lxiv ) 369
PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), AUGUST 14, 2020
(SRVN 23, 1942 SAKA)
PART III
GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE
(AGRICULTURE-II BRANCH)
NOTIFICATION
The 14th August, 2020
No. S.O. 26/C.A.46/1968/S.27/2020:- Whereas the State Government
is of the opinion that the sale, stock, distribution and use of insecticides indicated
in the Table given below, is not in the interest of rice growers in view of the
reasons recorded below; namely:-
(i) that there is a risk of higher pesticide residues than Maximum Residual
Level (MRL) fixed by the competent authority in the rice grains on
account of use of these agro-chemicals;
(ii) that the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has
recommended alternative agrochemicals to control pests of rice in Punjab;
(iii) that a concerted campaign was launched in the last two years under
which farmers were made aware about the hazards of such chemicals
to human beings. In addition, awareness was also created amongst the
pesticide companies as well as dealers against the use of such chemicals
on Basmati rice in Punjab;
(iv) that in spite of all these efforts, these chemicals are still being used
which is clear from the fact that Punjab Government Food Safety
Laboratory, Kharar indicated that out of fifty one samples, nine samples
of rice contained the residue of these chemicals above the MRL value.
Similarly, Punjab Biotechnology Incubator Agri and Food Testing
Laboratory, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab; NABL accredited
laboratory of Government of Punjab, in its report submitted that seven
number of samples were found to contain pesticide residue in rice above
MRL value;
(v) that the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association has also reported
that many samples got tested by them contain the residue value of these
pesticides much above the MRL values in Basmati Rice. The Association
requested for ban of these agrochemicals to save the heritage Basmati
produce of Punjab, and to ensure hassle free export of rice to other
countries; and 370
PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), AUGUST 14, 2020
(SRVN 23, 1942 SAKA)
(vi) the quality of Basmati rice is very crucial for its export to foreign countries
and the price of Basmati rice in the market accruing to the farmers is
also dependent on the quality of the grain. In addition, the safety of the
grain to the human beings is of paramount importance in the agro eco-
system;
Whereas in view of the above, it is imperative to prohibit the sale,
stock, distribution and use of the insecticides indicated in the Table given below,
on rice crop in the State, being potential constraint in export and consumption
of rice, especially Basmati rice; and
Whereas the alternatives to the said insecticides, which are low in
residue effect, are available in the market.
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section
(1) of section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 (Central Act No. 46 of 1968),
and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab is
pleased to prohibit the sale, stock, distribution and use of all types of formulations
of the insecticides, indicated in the Table given below, in the State of Punjab
for a period of sixty days on the paddy crop, including Basmati, from the date
of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, namely: -
TABLE
Serial No. Name of Insecticide
1 Acephate
2 Triazophos
3 Thiamethoxam
4 Carbendazim
6 Buprofezin
7 Carbofuron
9 Thiophinate Methyl
ANIRUDH TEWARI,
Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Punjab,
Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Punjab.