Dr. Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) and Chairman of Shri Lal Mahal Group, has strongly appealed to the Indian government to impose an immediate ban on the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Garg focused on the serious threats of pesticides to human health, the environment, and India’s agricultural rice export economy.
Welcoming the move of the Punjab and Haryana governments to halt the use of pesticides in rice sowing, he calls it a step in the right direction. However, he stressed that much more needs to be done at the national level. Dr. Garg stated that “Pesticides are extremely dangerous for human health. They also affect the quality of our produce, limit export opportunities, and tarnish the image of India on the global stage.”
In addition, he raised the issue of the rice export crisis concerning Pesticides. According to him, European nations have imposed strict regulations on pesticide residues in imported food products, especially rice. He said, “We are losing valuable export markets because of non-compliance with international norms,” he warned. “This not only results in financial losses for rice exporters but also damages the country’s reputation”. Moreover, he revealed that IREF and APEDA have already submitted a formal request to the government to ban pesticides in rice cultivation to protect long-term trade.
Besides this, Dr. Garg warned that the continued usage of pesticides will give long-term consequences on future crops and farmers’ incomes. “If we don’t stop using pesticides at this stage, our next harvests will suffer. Farmers won’t get good prices, and eventually, international markets such as Europe, the US, Canada, and the Middle East will stop buying our rice altogether. It’s like a virus that’s spreading silently,” he asserted.
Furthermore, he stated that Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 will be held on October 30 & 31st, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, an international agri-conference expected to draw global attention. Dr. Garg emphasised the importance of taking immediate action. He said, “We’ve invited agricultural leaders and startups to the event to raise awareness and educate farmers on the dangers of pesticides. If farmers suffer today by stopping their use, they’ll gain tomorrow through better prices and healthier crops”.
On a related note, he recommended strict legal action against retailers who sell chemical pesticides. “Shops selling harmful chemical pesticides should face serious consequences. These companies are promoting dangerous products just to increase profits, putting millions of lives at risk,” he asserted.
Not only this, but he suggested a shift to organic pesticides, highlighting options like neem water and other natural repellents as effective and economical by saying: “Organic pesticides are not only safer but also much cheaper. But due to the monopoly created by chemical pesticide companies, awareness remains low. We must redirect our policies and efforts toward organic solutions.”
Moreover, pointing out the ecological impact of chemical pesticide runoff, which often ends up in rivers and drinking water sources, he cited: “Even our water is getting contaminated. The same water used in agriculture flows into rivers, making it unfit for drinking. It’s a silent but serious health emergency.”
Lastly, he requested that the Indian Government that Pesticides should be completely banned for the sake of public health, farmer welfare, and India’s future in agriculture; we cannot delay this any further.