How to Start Pesticide & Fertilizer Dealership

Are you planning to start a career in agri-inputs? Do you want to be a Fertilizer & Pesticide dealer? Are you a retailer looking for a pesticide license or planning to scale up your business? Then you can find all the related details in this article.

The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare issues the license. We need to understand that obtaining a pesticide license isn’t just a formality; it’s a necessary step to ensure your and your customer’s safety.

The license holder must follow the CIBRC’s regulations and guidelines. These include registering the product, labelling it properly, and storing, and disposing of the pesticides. They must also follow safety guidelines for the applicator and the public.

Additionally, they must keep proper records of the pesticides used, maintain the equipment, and hire trained and licensed personnel to handle the pesticides at the store.

What is a Pesticide License? 

The government brought the Insecticides Act into force on 1st August 1971. The Act and the rules framed under it require the compulsory registration of pesticides at the Central level and deal with their manufacture, formulation, and sale licenses at the State level.

To enforce the Insecticides Act effectively, the government has constituted two bodies at the Central level, namely the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC).

How to Get a Pesticide License?

The government has streamlined the process of applying for a pesticide license, making it accessible online and promising you could obtain your license within 28 to 30 days.

We will guide you through the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the application process, simplifying what might initially appear as a daunting task.

The government mandates that to be eligible for a Fertilizer & Pesticides License, traders must possess a degree in a relevant scientific field such as Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Botany, or Zoology. This requirement ensures that individuals dealing with these substances have the necessary knowledge to handle them safely and responsibly.

Prepare a list of required documents in advance, alongside your educational qualifications.

Documents You’ll Need to Gather

Any applicant for a pest control license must hold a degree in Agriculture or Science with Chemistry. Additionally, they need a certificate from at least 15 days of training at one of the following institutions: Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore; Indian Grain Storage Institute, Hapur; or National Plant Protection Training Institute, Hyderabad.

For undertaking fumigation, the pest control operators shall have to obtain special permission from the Plant Protection Adviser to the Government of India in addition to obtaining the license.  The Plant Protection Adviser will grant such permission as per procedure or guidelines approved by the Registration Committee. 

The commercial pest control operators shall adhere to the prescribed guidelines or procedures. These are laid down by the Plant Protection Adviser to the Government of India regarding the fumigation operations they undertake.

A certificate of Completion of Training by the Indian Pest Control Association is required to apply for the pest control license.

Documents required for Pest Control License Registration

1. Applicant Details with photo.
2. Proof of Applicant Firm Registration
3. NOC from Grampanchayat/Nagar Parishad/Maha Nagar Palika
4. Proof of Address for Firm/Company/Shop/Sale/Storage(Godown):7/12 Extract/ 8 A/no 43 from gram panchayat, If premises are on a rental basis then registered/ notarized rent agreement on Rs 100/- stamp paper along with ownership documents.

5. Proof of Address for Manager/Karta/Proprietor /Partner /Responsible Person/Expert/Production Supervisor: copy of tax receipt of property /copy of property registration document/copy of passport/ copy of Aadhar Card /Voter ID Card.
6. Copies of Valid principal Certificate (in Duplicate).
7. Undertaking with regards to First Aid facilities.
8. Spot inspection report of Insecticide Inspector (Godown).
9. Employee’s documents (for Agriculture, Household and Pest Control Purposes) (a) qualification/Degree Certificate. (b)Pan Card. (c) Address Proof.

Applying for a License Online

The digital age has simplified many processes, including applying for a Fertilizer & Pesticides License. But, how do we can start when there are multiple links for a single Google search? The process begins with visiting the official departmental website, where applicants register and receive their login credentials via SMS.

This step is crucial for accessing the application forms and for further communication. Once logged in, the application journey involves filling out specific mandatory fields, uploading photographs, and providing signature scans. It’s a methodical process, designed to ensure that all necessary information is accurately captured.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Application Process

Applying for a Fertilizer & Pesticides License online might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process designed to be as efficient as possible.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Registration: The first step involves registering on the official departmental website, where you’ll receive your User ID and Password through SMS.

Filling the Application: Using these credentials, you’ll access the application form, where it’s crucial to fill in all the mandatory fields, marked with a red asterisk (*), and upload your photo and signature.

Document Upload: The next step involves uploading the necessary documents as per the checklist provided. This includes identity proofs, educational qualifications, and other pertinent documents related to your business.

Fee Payment: The application process also involves paying a license fee through the official channels, followed by uploading the payment receipt.

Submission and Verification: Once submitted, the application goes through a verification process by the concerned officer, who may request additional documents if needed.

Inspection and Approval: The final steps involve an inspection by a jurisdiction officer and, upon satisfactory review, the issuance of the license.

Understanding the License’s Validity

Every trader must be aware of the critical aspect of the duration a pesticide license remains valid. The agriculture department issues the license for pesticide trade, which remains valid for a span of five years, requiring renewal upon expiration.

Unless suspended or cancelled sooner, any Pest Control License issued or renewed under this will be in force for a period of 5 calendar years.

Validity and Renewal Process

The agriculture department issues Fertilizer & pesticide licenses for only two years, making the validity of these licenses a considerable importance topic.

Holders must remain vigilant about renewal deadlines to avoid any disruption in their business operations. Renewing your license upon expiry is not just a recommendation; it’s necessary for legal trading activities continuation.

This periodic renewal process ensures all license holders stay current with regulations and standards, maintaining a safe and regulated environment for trading these critical agricultural inputs.

The Importance of Licensing and Professional Background

Why do we stress the importance of obtaining a license and having a professional background in relevant scientific fields for agri-dealers? The answer lies in the responsibility that comes with advising customers on pesticides and fertilizers.

Recent studies have highlighted a concerning gap. A significant portion of agro-input dealers, despite considering it their responsibility to advise customers, lack the necessary understanding of the products they sell.

This lack of expertise can lead to the sale of inappropriate, and sometimes dangerous, products without adequate guidance on safe handling and usage.

This situation underscores the critical need for a licensing system. It should verify the dealer’s qualifications and ensure they have up-to-date knowledge on safe handling practices. The licensing process requires a degree in Agricultural Sciences or related fields. This aims to elevate the advice and service standard, ensuring dealers can offer not just products but valuable, informed guidance to their customers.

What’s Next?

Once your license is ready, just download the AgriApp Partner App.

Sign up with your GST License.

Pick all the high-demand products from manufacturers Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Criyagen etc at a margin of up to 60%.

Place your order and get it delivered to your doorstep.

Are you worrying about the initial investment? AgriApp provides you credit support up to 5 Lakhs.

Additionally, for the first 3 orders, AgriApp provides a discount of 8000 Rupees.

That’s it!! You are an Agri Dealer now.

So, what are you waiting for? Go with the right option right away! Start your own business and make an impact on the Indian Agri Economy. In a recent study, it’s mentioned that India can generate USD 813 billion in revenue creating 152 million jobs. It’s an opportunity for all those who are interested in Agri industry.

Read more about Agriculture Schemes and Government Support here.