Analysis of Indian Legal Framework for Ensuring Pesticide Safe Food in India

Since the middle of the 20th century, pesticides have emerged as the most effective means of keeping pests away to increase agricultural production. Pesticides are increasingly used to preserve crops and agricultural output, but they have several dangerous side effects on the environment and human health. There is rampant use of ‘banned pesticides’ and ‘excess amounts of pesticides’ and ‘unscientific use of pesticides’ in India. Pesticide residues in Indian foods are tens of times higher than in other developed countries. These residues entering into human body are causing various health impacts. The issue of pesticide residue though being the most serious issue is being neglected due to lack of knowledge and awareness among the government officials and common public. Various laws made at the national and international levels have remained limited for the sake of paper works. The provisions made under food laws are not effectively enforced and implemented. This paper will critically analyse the pesticide safety laws of India for the protection of the human health from serious threats of pesticide residues. It highlights the lacunae in current food safety and pesticide control regulations. The on-going challenges in enforcing these laws, role played by the judiciary in implementation and enforcement of the existing legal framework will be analysed and the suggestions to protect the human health from pesticide hazards will be provided in this paper.