PMFAI opposes govt idea to ban 27 pesticides fearing biz loss of Rs 6K cr

The total market size of Indian pesticides industry is around Rs 40,000 crore, of which around Rs 18,000 crore is domestic sales

Pesticides industry body PMFAI on Tuesday opposed the government's proposal to ban 27 pesticides, saying it will result in business loss of worth Rs 6,000 crore and benefit China, besides affecting farmers' interest as substitutes are four-times costly.

The association blamed environmental NGOs for running propaganda against the pesticides industry.

The Union Agriculture Ministry recently issued a draft gazette notification, proposing to ban 27 pesticides to curb usage of chemicals.

The comments from stakeholders have been sought within the next 45 days.

"We want an