The pesticides, insecticides and fungicides which are manufactured abroad are a major input for a good quality produce. These pesticides include Vertimac, Pentac and Nimrod (brand names). Under an act governing these insecticides and pesticides, a manufacturer is required to be registered with the central board. This is a major hinderance to the manufacturers as registration is a long drawn and cumbersome process and also involves a lot of expenditure.

Potential manufacturers of these pesticides are not willing to undergo this long process since the quantity needed by the floriculture exporters is very small and does not make it viable for all the trouble. Domestic pesticides and insectides manufacturersalso do not find it feasible enough to manufacture these pesticides.

Maharashtra Agricultural Industrial Development Corporation (MAIDC) a state level organisation has been importing the pesticides as per the requirements of the floriculture exporters. MAIDC had imported these pesticides against a permit released by the Central Government.

However, this orgainsation is not interested in continuing this process any longer as they had borne losses due to a mismatch in the orders placed and the quantity required. According to floricture exporters the time taken to finally procure the chemical into the country takes very long following which they do not get the material on time.

The three main floriculture associations from the different parts of the country have been in talks with the government to continue the process of importing on a regular basis and on automatic clearances. The exporters have also suggested the need for a central level body like APEDA to carry out the process of procuring thesepesticides. This would save the exporters a lot of expenses and they can also avoid going through the long and cumbersome processes. The exporters have also made representations to the various manufacturers to get their products registered and hence give it a legal status under the Insecticide Act. They have also suggested that since the registration might take a lot of time the government could put it under import on actual user basis.

The next season for the floriculture industry will commence in the month of September when the winter starts in the European countries and there will be a demand for Indian flowers. Without these pesticide protection the Indian flowers are no match to the international quality.