The Uttar Pradesh government has made a big decision to keep Basmati rice special and safe. Starting August 1, they have banned 11 harmful pesticides in 30 districts for 60 days. This is to make sure the rice stays good for eating and selling to other countries.
Why the Ban?
Basmati rice is famous for its long grains and yummy smell. India sends a lot of it to countries like Europe, America, and others. These countries check the rice carefully to make sure it doesn’t have too many pesticide leftovers. If they find too much, they send the rice back, which is bad for farmers and India’s reputation. These pesticides can also harm people’s health.
The banned pesticides have tricky names like Tricyclazole, Buprofezin, and others. The ban is in 30 districts, like Hathras, Aligarh, Meerut, and Bareilly, where Basmati rice has a special tag called GI (Geographical Indication). This tag means the rice is unique to these places.
Why Do Farmers Use Pesticides?
Farmers use pesticides to protect their rice from diseases and bugs, like Blast Disease or Bacterial Leaf Blight. But if they use the wrong amount or spray too close to harvest time, some pesticide stays in the rice. This can cause other countries to reject it. For example, Europe allows only a tiny bit of pesticide (0.01 parts per million), while America allows 0.3, and Japan allows 0.8. Farmers need to be very careful!
What Should Farmers Do?
To keep Basmati rice safe and sellable, farmers should:
Use only pesticides suggested by agriculture experts or universities.
Use the right amount of pesticide.
Wait long enough after spraying before cutting the rice, as written on the pesticide label.
The government has warned that anyone selling these banned pesticides will face strict punishment under the Insecticides Act of 1968.
Why Basmati Is Special?
Basmati rice is loved worldwide for its taste and smell. India is the biggest rice exporter, and Basmati is a star! It grows in special areas, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, which have the GI tag. This ban will help keep Basmati rice safe, healthy, and famous around the world!
