The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has identified serious flaws in the market for agricultural medicines and pesticides, highlighting structural and regulatory weaknesses affecting the sector.
According to a statement issued by the Competition Commission, the lack of local production of agricultural medicines has negatively impacted investment, while weak enforcement of laws and a complex approval system have further hindered the growth and efficiency of the sector.
The report states that the problem of fake and adulterated agricultural pesticides is particularly severe in Punjab and Sindh. It also notes that the mandatory two-year shelf-life condition has led to unnecessary wastage of agricultural medicines. The Commission emphasized that effective enforcement could enhance competition in the agricultural market and provide better protection to farmers.
The CCP pointed out that provincial laboratories suffer from a lack of capacity and trained staff, which has contributed to weak enforcement. Due to these shortcomings, counterfeiters have been able to exploit the system.
The report further highlighted that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, there has been an overlap between federal and provincial powers, creating regulatory confusion. It recommended improvements in laws governing agricultural sprays to address these challenges.
The Competition Commission suggested simplifying and speeding up the approval process for agricultural sprays and called for strict action against fake and counterfeit agricultural products.
Additionally, the report stressed the promotion of local production and the development of medicines suited to local climatic conditions. It also recommended licensing agricultural graduates as distributors to ensure better regulation, technical knowledge, and responsible distribution of agricultural pesticides.
