LAHORE: The federal government’s proposed ban on 12 key agrochemical active ingredients has sparked concerns in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

The decision, made in the 62nd APTAC meeting held the other day following the interception of rice export consignments over complaints of higher-than-permitted levels of chemical residue, was taken without consulting stakeholders or following statutory procedures. Industry experts fear this ban will harm crop production, raise costs for farmers, and discourage future investment in Pakistan’s agriculture.

Pakistan’s pesticide regulations clearly stipulate that active ingredients can only be banned based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP) categories 1a and 1b, as well as Annexure III of the Rotterdam Convention.

“This decision appears to be based on non-scientific grounds, lacking consideration of residue management strategies employed by other countries. The issue at hand is not inherently related to the pesticides themselves but rather their misuse or off-label application. Therefore, emphasizing correct usage and handling practices is crucial to mitigating these challenges,” says Rashid Ahmed, executive director of CropLife Pakistan, in a statement.

Addressing pesticide residues in rice exports is crucial, but implementing a blanket ban is a hasty decision that fails to address the underlying problem, he asserts.

He warns that the ban would impact wheat, cotton, fruit, and vegetable growers, leading to reduced yields, increased costs, and potential food security risks due to limited alternatives and accelerated pest resistance.

It will also damage investor confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory environment, he adds.

He says the main problem is improper pesticide use and storage, not the pesticides themselves, as 50 percent of residue issues stem from mishandling in grain storage facilities.

He appeals to the prime minister and the National Food Security & Research Ministry to reconsider the ban and work together on a science-based approach.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025