ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued a stark warning regarding the proliferation of counterfeit and adulterated pesticides in Punjab and Sindh, highlighting the detrimental effects on crops, farmers’ finances, and market competition. According to the CCP’s latest report, “Competition Assessment Study of the Pesticide Sector in Pakistan,” these fraudulent products continue to pose significant risks to the agricultural sector.
The report, released on Saturday, emphasizes that despite Pakistan’s substantial agricultural market, the country lacks local pesticide manufacturing capacity and relies entirely on imports. This dependency, combined with weak enforcement and regulatory gaps, creates an environment in which low-quality products are widespread, causing harm to both the economy and the environment.
The CCP identifies several issues contributing to this problem, including high investment costs and long testing periods that discourage domestic pesticide production. It also highlights the challenges posed by the strict two-year shelf-life rule, which leads to product wastage, even when pesticides remain effective for longer periods.
One key concern raised in the report is the limited capacity of provincial laboratories and the shortage of trained staff for reliable testing. Additionally, inspectors in Sindh face legal obstacles that slow down enforcement actions, while overlapping roles between federal and provincial authorities after the 18th Amendment lead to delays in product registration.
The CCP recommends several reforms, including a revision of the two-year shelf-life rule, harmonization of federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, and improvements to the Form-1 registration system to simplify and speed up the approval process. The report also advocates for the promotion of climate-appropriate pesticides, stronger inspections, and enhanced legal enforcement against counterfeit products.
To address the broader issues, the CCP calls for greater support for local pesticide manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports and improve the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The report concludes that enhancing competition, improving regulatory clarity, and strengthening enforcement will protect farmers, ensure product quality, and align the pesticide sector with Pakistan’s agricultural and environmental goals.
