18 April 2026, New Delhi: India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has initiated a fresh review of restrictions on glyphosate use after stakeholders said there are not enough pest control operators available to apply the herbicide under the current regulated framework. The issue was discussed during a meeting held on April 8, 2026, at Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in New Delhi.
The meeting was convened in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court regarding the ongoing matter related to glyphosate restrictions.
During the meeting, pesticide associations briefed officials on global developments related to glyphosate. The UPASI Tea Research Foundation stated that the current restriction allowing glyphosate application only through licensed pest control operators faces implementation challenges because there are not enough operators available.
Participants agreed that newly submitted evidence and proposed safeguards require rigorous scientific review before any policy decision is taken. The matter will now be referred again to the Registration Committee for further examination, while associations have been invited to submit written suggestions and safety action plans.
A follow-up meeting is expected before the next court hearing scheduled for May 5, 2026.
Government Officials Present
Officials attending from the government and regulatory side included Chandrajit Chatterjee, Director (PP), DA & FW; Dr. J.P. Singh, Plant Protection Advisor, DPPQ&S; Dr. Archana Sinha, Joint Director (Chem.); Dr. Subhash Chand, Secretary, CIB&RC and others.
Industry Associations and Representatives Present
Representatives from industry bodies and companies included Crop Life India, Crop Care Federation of India, PMFAI, Bayer Crop Science, UPASI Tea Research Foundation, ACFI, and Sumitomo Chemical.
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