Science of biopesticides and critical analysis of indian legal frameworks regulating biocontrol agents

The unsustainable application of chemical pesticides has resulted in a steady decline in food productivity worldwide. Biopesticides hold the potential to maintain agricultural productivity, while safeguarding agroecosystems and microclimates. There are three broad categories of biopesticides: microbial biopesticides, botanical biopesticides, and semiochemical biopesticides. While the development and consumption of biopesticides is at a record high in a number of places, including Canada, the USA, the EU, Australia, and Brazil, India has shown slow growth, due in part to inadequate legislation, a lack of capacity, and the weak implementation of policies related to biopesticides and biocontrol agents. Biopesticides and biocontrol agents in India are still largely regulated by legal frameworks originally designed for chemical insecticides and pesticides. As a result, manufacturers and importers of biopesticides and biocontrol agents face multiple legal and procedural challenges. This paper provides a critical analysis of Indian legal frameworks regulating biopesticides, concluding that a reform in legal apparatus is necessary to promote the uptake of these substances in the country. A shift in the legal framework from a focus on chemical substances to biological agents would also complement the country's environmental and sustainability goals.

Indian Insecticides Act is inadequate to deal with biopesticides. Consequently, manufacturing, trade and use of biopesticides is affected by legal barriers.

A reform is needed in regulations, registration and licensing process.