The Agriculture Ministry is preparing to ban 27 generic agro chemicals. All these products are low cost generic pesticides, which are being used continuously for the last 20-30 years. If this proposal is passed and the ban is imposed, it will reduce the availability of plant protection chemicals in the country. This is because they account for nearly 50% of the molecules in domestic consumption.
Food security scheme will also be affected
India is the second largest exporter of food grains in the world and if such steps are taken, it can also have an impact on the country’s food security scheme. Especially, when the population is continuously increasing and many food security schemes are also being run.
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what the experts say
Some domestic brokerages have to say that the way the availability of agrochemicals was suddenly interrupted, it was found that some system was not working at all. At the same time, research head of another foreign brokerage said, “I don’t see any point in reducing double losses at this point of time, especially when India is trying to optimize its global options.” From a country that has emerged as a net exporter of food grains in the last three years, and has brought with it foreign exchange. Such disorganization and shortage in domestic food will put an immediate ban on exports.
Agriculture sector contributes 18% to GDP
India’s agriculture sector contributes 18% to the country’s GDP and 14% of merchandise exports. According to a Delhi-based think-tank, India’s exports of agriculture and allied products in 2021-22 are estimated to be a record $49-50 billion depending on cropped areas and average yields. It is estimated that India’s agricultural exports can easily reach $100 billion in the next three to four years.
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what do the figures say
Citing data from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), experts say that the United States remains the largest export country for Indian agricultural products. It is followed by China at number two. India accounts for 5% of the total exports to the United Arab Emirates and 4% to Saudi Arabia. The food supply chain cannot be fixed immediately for a season or two. A direct example of this is being seen in Sri Lanka.