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India's Farm Bill: Data Protection Sparks Debate
19 Aug
Summary
- Crop protection firms want a 5-year data protection framework.
- Newer molecules offer better crop protection and safety.
- India faces significant crop loss due to pests and climate change.
Indian crop protection firms are advocating for a five-year, time-bound Protection of Regulatory Data (PRD) framework within the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025. This incentive is seen as vital for accelerating the introduction of newer, safer, and lower-dose molecules to Indian farms.
These advanced agrochemical products are critical as climate change intensifies pest resistance and crop losses, which cost India an estimated ₹2 lakh crore annually. Newer molecules offer targeted protection, work at lower doses, and possess better safety profiles, leading to reduced residues in produce.
Global competitors like China, Thailand, Brazil, and the EU offer data protection ranging from six to ten years, a policy India currently lacks. Implementing a PRD framework would allow Indian manufacturers to develop a modern product portfolio, enhancing agricultural productivity and export competitiveness.
Companies argue that PRD rewards genuine investment in quality and discourages the market for spurious products. It also drives research to Indian laboratories and improves product stewardship and resistance management, fostering a fairer, safer, and more research-focused industry.
