New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- The Uttar Pradesh government is enforcing a fresh ban on the use of eleven pesticides that damage India's basmati rice quality and block its entry into key foreign markets. The ban is effective from August 1 for the next three months.

The chemicals include acephate, buprofezin, chlorpyriphos, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, profenofos, carbendazim, tricyclazole, tebuconazole, carbofuran, and imidacloprid. These chemicals leave residues that lower the quality of rice and often lead to rejection by buyers abroad. The decision is part of efforts to safeguard India's position as one of the largest exporters of basmati rice.

Rajendra Kumar, Agriculture Protection Officer of Moradabad, explained the reason behind the move. ...