The programme, “Strengthening Dealer Industry Partnership for Safe, Responsible & Sustainable Agriculture”, touched on issues such as responsible product use, need for farmer awareness, industry & distributers joint stewardship initiatives, and safe agricultural practices amid evolving regulatory expectations.

The programme was organised in Amritsar on Friday by ACFI, a non-profit organisation representing  85% of the Indian agrochemical industry.

Dr Amarjit Singh Dosanjh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Amritsar, Government of Punjab, said, “The Government welcomes the efforts of ACFI towards encouraging greater awareness on the safe and judicious use of crop protection products in line with sustainable agriculture practices. He emphasised that the capacity building of dealers and distributors is essential because they are the first source of technical guidance for farmers. By promoting responsible advisory, preventing counterfeit products and encouraging compliance with regulatory guidelines, such initiatives contribute to better farm outcomes while protecting human health and the environment. The Punjab government extends its support to strengthen regulatory compliance by fostering coordination among the regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders and dealer networks. ”

Attended by agri dealers, distributors, retailers, field-level advisors and sales and marketing professionals from across the agricultural value chain, the industry and channel partners vowed to play a stronger role in promoting the safe, scientific, and responsible use of agrochemicals while supporting Indian agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

Dr Ranjesh Singh, General Manager (Head)- Regulatory Affairs & Product Development at Bharat Certis AgriScience Ltd. said, “Agri dealers and distributors are often the first point of contact for farmers, placing them in a critical position to promote the scientific and responsible use of agrochemicals. The programme highlighted the importance of responsible advisory practices in building farmer trust, countering misinformation on pesticide use, strengthening industry–distribution network coordination and improving farmer awareness at the grassroots level.

“Greater collaboration among industry, dealers and distributors is essential to advancing sustainable agriculture, promoting awareness around safe and judicious agrochemical use, and strengthening adherence to evolving stewardship and regulatory standards,” he added.

Mr Deepak Sharma, President, Agri Input Dealers Association, H.O Amritsar talked about the best practices for responsible agri-input retailing, preventing counterfeit products, enhancing productivity while ensuring environmental safety, and encouraging informed decision-making at the farm level.

The programme additionally focused on knowledge sharing, technical training, and the adoption of modern agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity while balancing environmental responsibility and user safety.

Several government, industry and dealer associations attended the event and busted the myth on pesticide usage and addressed the need to promote sustainable agriculture and the role of dealers in promoting scientific use of agrochemicals.