Combating pesticide counterfeiting and the prospects for India's agro-industrial complex

The full-scale implementation of the National Integrated Pest Management System (IPMS) can completely rid Indian farmers of the problem of counterfeit pesticides. As stated by Subhash Chand, Secretary of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture, the National IPMS database guarantees product authenticity through the official dealer network thanks to traceability features.

Speaking in New Delhi at a national conference organized by CropLife India, Subhash Chand urged the industry community to jointly develop an AI-based tool or application. Such technology will help farmers identify pests and make informed decisions regarding the selection of the right product, adherence to timing and application rates to strengthen responsible plant protection.

During the event, CropLife India, in partnership with Yes Bank, presented the report "Innovations in the Crop Protection Sector." The document forecasts a 10 percent reduction in the country's net sown area by 2050 due to the conversion of land for urban needs. In addition, crop damage from pests and diseases is estimated at 2 trillion rupees. The authors of the report emphasize the need to increase yield per hectare by preventing such losses against the backdrop of the intensifying impact of climate change.

To develop the sector, the report proposes reforms: strengthening digitalization, improving farmer advisory services, stimulating domestic research and development through the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, introducing a unified "One Nation One Licence" valid across all states, and introducing a five-year regulatory data protection (RDP) to facilitate the emergence of new plant protection products.

At the panel discussion, leaders of major industry companies discussed long-term prospects up to 2035. Business representatives noted the importance of robotics, digital channels, artificial intelligence as a growth driver, an integrated approach utilizing gene editing and improved seed, as well as the need for adaptation to climate change and the development of result-oriented agriculture.