Ban on Sale of Glyphosate Formulations by Punjab Government

The Punjab Government’s ban on the sale of glyphosate-based herbicide formulations represents a significant policy measure aimed at protecting public health, environmental safety, and sustainable agricultural practices. Implemented through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Punjab, the decision restricts the sale, distribution, and use of glyphosate within the state, except under specific regulated circumstances.

Background and Context

Glyphosate is a widely used broad-spectrum herbicide, primarily applied for weed control in crops such as maize, cotton, and fruits. It functions by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the elimination of unwanted vegetation. Introduced globally in the 1970s, it became one of the most commonly used agrochemicals in India due to its effectiveness and affordability.
In Punjab, glyphosate gained popularity among farmers, particularly for clearing weeds in orchards, non-cropped fields, and fallow lands. However, its unregulated and indiscriminate use began to raise environmental and health concerns. Several studies across the world, including those cited by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have classified glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen”.
The Punjab Government, noting the increasing health risks and ecological damage, decided to regulate and restrict its use under the Insecticides Act, 1968, to ensure the safety of farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Legal Basis of the Ban

The ban was imposed under Section 27(1) of the Insecticides Act, 1968, which empowers the state government to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of any pesticide deemed hazardous to human or animal health or the environment.
An official notification was issued by the Directorate of Agriculture, instructing all pesticide dealers, distributors, and manufacturers in Punjab to stop selling glyphosate-based formulations with immediate effect.

Reasons for the Ban

The Punjab Government cited several key reasons for the restriction:

1. Human Health Concerns:
   • Long-term exposure to glyphosate residues has been linked to potential health issues such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and skin or respiratory ailments.
   • Farm labourers and sprayers are particularly at risk due to direct contact during handling and spraying.
2. Environmental Impact:
   • Glyphosate contaminates soil, groundwater, and surface water, posing threats to biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems.
   • Its non-selective nature harms beneficial plants, microorganisms, and pollinators.
3. Improper Usage:
   • Glyphosate is approved in India only for non-crop areas (such as railway tracks, public paths, and industrial premises). However, in Punjab, it was frequently misused in crop fields, particularly in paddy and cotton cultivation, in violation of central guidelines.
4. Soil and Crop Health:
   • Overuse of chemical herbicides like glyphosate leads to soil nutrient depletion and reduced microbial activity, affecting long-term soil fertility.

Scope and Implementation

The notification bans the sale, distribution, and use of all glyphosate-based formulations in Punjab, with certain conditional exceptions:

• Only authorised pest control operators (PCOs) licensed by the government may use glyphosate formulations in non-crop areas, under strict supervision.
• Farmers and unlicensed individuals are prohibited from purchasing or spraying glyphosate themselves.
• All pesticide retailers are required to withdraw existing stock and refrain from future procurement.
• Enforcement officers under the Agriculture Department are empowered to conduct inspections, seize illegal stock, and initiate prosecution against violators.

Government Notification and Communication

Following the ban, the Punjab Government circulated instructions to all District Agricultural Officers (DAOs) to ensure compliance. Farmers were informed through awareness campaigns, advisories, and training sessions about the hazards of glyphosate and alternative weed management methods.
Pesticide dealers were directed to maintain proper records of sales and return banned stock to manufacturers or designated collection points for safe disposal.

Alternative Measures for Weed Control

To assist farmers in adapting to the ban, the Department of Agriculture promoted several eco-friendly alternatives, including:

• Mechanical Weeding: Encouraging the use of weeders, rotavators, and tractor-mounted implements for physical weed removal.
• Mulching and Cover Crops: Use of natural mulch or cover plants to suppress weed growth.
• Biological Herbicides: Adoption of bio-based products and natural extracts with minimal environmental impact.
• Integrated Weed Management (IWM): Combining cultural, mechanical, and biological methods to achieve long-term weed control without chemical dependence.

Additionally, agricultural extension officers are conducting field demonstrations and workshops to educate farmers on sustainable practices.

Reactions and Stakeholder Responses

• Farmers’ Response: Some farmers initially expressed concern about reduced weed control efficiency and increased manual labour costs. However, awareness programmes have gradually encouraged acceptance of alternative practices.
• Environmentalists and Health Advocates: The decision received strong support from environmental groups and health activists, who hailed it as a step toward ecological safety.
• Industry Reaction: Pesticide manufacturers and dealers sought clarification on implementation timelines and return policies for unsold stocks.

Alignment with National and Global Policies

Punjab’s decision aligns with broader national and international trends:

• The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has already proposed restrictions on glyphosate use nationwide.
• Several Indian states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have issued similar restrictions or conditional bans.
• Globally, countries such as Sri Lanka, Mexico, Germany, and France have imposed partial or complete bans on glyphosate.

Thus, Punjab’s ban reinforces its leadership in environmental regulation and sustainable agriculture.

Enforcement and Monitoring

To ensure strict enforcement, the Punjab Government established a multi-tier monitoring mechanism involving:

• District-Level Committees to oversee compliance at retail and field levels.
• Regular Inspections of pesticide shops and agricultural warehouses.
• Awareness Drives for farmers, pesticide handlers, and local cooperatives.
• Reporting Mechanisms allowing citizens to report violations to agricultural authorities.

The State Agriculture Department, in collaboration with the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), continues to monitor environmental residues and compliance levels.