India’s agriculture sector is facing a debate over the approval of new crop varieties, particularly herbicide-tolerant (HT) ones. This discussion comes after the Union Agriculture Minister ordered the suspension of a pesticides manufacturer’s licence. Experts are raising questions about the widespread approval of HT crops, warning that they could lead to increased herbicide use and soil pollution.
A senior agriculture scientist pointed out that while many herbicides are approved for farming, there are fewer HT crop varieties available. This imbalance, they believe, drives research into developing more HT varieties and boosts sales for chemical companies. Reports suggest that researchers at agricultural institutes and universities are working on creating HT versions of crops like the flood-tolerant ‘Swarna sub 1’ rice.
However, the scientist questioned the need for HT ‘Swarna sub 1’ rice, as this paddy variety is typically grown in waterlogged areas where weeds are not a major issue. In such conditions, an HT variety is considered unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government, following the Union Minister’s directive, suspended the manufacturing licences of HPM Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. The company’s Chlorimuron Ethyl product was found to have damaged soybean crops in several districts of Madhya Pradesh. The suspension, effective immediately, covers all manufacturing, sale, and distribution from the company’s units in Rajasthan pending the investigation’s outcome.
Concerns about toxicity are also affecting the approval of HTBt cotton. Despite this, cultivation and seed multiplication of HTBt cotton are happening illegally across significant areas each year.
S Chandrasekaran, a trade policy expert, highlighted the long-term negative impacts of herbicide usage on soil, human health, animal health, and plant life. He stated that HT varieties disrupt natural farming practices and harm beneficial plants. As India moves towards natural farming, Chandrasekaran emphasised the need for a careful and balanced approach to these technologies.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, an organisation associated with the RSS, believes India does not need herbicides or HT varieties. Their general secretary, Mohini Mohan Mishra, argued that weeds should be removed manually, not killed. He warned that eliminating naturally growing medicinal herbs alongside weeds results in the destruction of biodiversity. The ongoing discussions highlight a growing emphasis on sustainable and natural farming methods in India, with a cautious outlook on technologies that increase chemical reliance.