The Insecticides Act, 1968 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of insecticides in India. The primary objective was to prevent risks to human beings, animals, and the environment from the misuse or improper handling of harmful chemical substances. The Act came into force on 1st March 1971, with different provisions being implemented in phases.
Before this legislation, India lacked a comprehensive framework to control the use of insecticides, leading to unregulated sales, adulteration, and health hazards. The Green Revolution in the 1960s increased agricultural reliance on chemical pesticides, necessitating strict oversight to ensure safety and efficacy. The Act was influenced by global concerns over pesticide misuse, such as the Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring" (1962), which highlighted environmental and health risks associated with indiscriminate pesticide use.
The Act has undergone amendments, including the Insecticides (Amendment) Act, 1977, which introduced provisions for provisional registration and extended timelines for compliance. Further amendments in 2000 and 2005 strengthened penalties, introduced Special Courts for speedy trials, and mandated legislative review of rules.
The Insecticides Act, 1968, is a cornerstone of India’s agrochemical regulatory framework. It balances agricultural productivity with health and environmental concerns, adapting to emerging challenges through amendments. However, enforcement gaps and the rise of bio-pesticides call for periodic reviews to align with modern scientific and ecological standards.