Fake and low-quality pesticides plague Punjab, Sindh, finds CCP report

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has raised alarm bells, noting that counterfeit and adulterated pesticides remain widespread in Punjab and Sindh, damaging crops, causing significant financial losses to farmers, and distorting market competition.

In its report titled “Competition Assessment Study of the Pesticide Sector in Pakistan”, released on Saturday, the CCP reviewed the structure, regulatory framework, and overall performance of the pesticide sector, highlighting significant gaps that undermine fair competition and quality assurance.

The report notes that despite a large and expanding agricultural market, Pakistan has no local pesticide manufacturing and relies entirely on imports.

Meanwhile, weak enforcement, regulatory gaps, and complex approval procedures continue to create hurdles for genuine businesses and expose farmers to low-quality products.

The report found that high investment costs and long testing periods discourage domestic production. Whereas a strict two-year shelf-life rule results in wastage, even when products remain effective for longer.

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It also noted that provincial laboratories lack capacity and trained staff for reliable testing. Meanwhile, inspectors in Sindh face weak legal support, which slows down prosecution.

It found that overlapping federal and Punjab roles after the 18th Amendment cause delays in registration. The report also revealed that some imported products are unsuitable for Pakistan’s climate.

The CCP report recommended reviewing and revising the two-year shelf-life limit, harmonising federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, simplifying and speeding up the Form-1 registration system, promoting climate-appropriate and locally tested pesticide formulations, strengthening inspections and legal enforcement against counterfeit products and upgrading provincial laboratories and improving technical staffing.

The report also called for supporting local manufacturing to reduce import dependence and align pesticide regulations with Sustainable Development Goals on food security, health, and climate resilience.

The report concluded that stronger enforcement, improved coordination, and better regulatory clarity will enhance competition in the pesticide market, reduce risks for farmers, and support Pakistan’s broader agricultural and environmental objectives.