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Crop Protection & Pesticides

Kitnashak (Pesticides): Types, Label Safety and Care

Kitnashak (कीटनाशक) is the Hindi term for pesticides and crop protection formulations used to protect agricultural crops from damaging insect pests, fungal pathogens, weeds, and rodents. Applying registered kitnashak formulations strictly according to CIBRC guidelines ensures effective pest suppression while preventing environmental contamination and chemical residues on food.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Major categories of agricultural kitnashak

  • Keetnashak (Insecticides): Formulations controlling damaging chewing, boring, and sucking insect pests.
  • Fafundinashak (Fungicides): Systemic and contact chemistries preventing and curing fungal diseases like blights, rusts, and smuts.
  • Kh खरपतवारनाशक (Herbicides): Selective and non-selective formulations used to eliminate competing weeds.
  • Choohashak (Rodenticides): Formulations controlling field and godown rats and burrowing rodents.

Understanding label toxicity color triangles

Every registered kitnashak container features a statutory toxicity diamond label: Bright Red signifies Extremely Toxic; Bright Yellow indicates Highly Toxic; Bright Blue denotes Moderately Toxic; and Bright Green represents Slightly Toxic. Farmers should always choose green or blue labeled products whenever possible.

Crucial safety rules during spraying

Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, face masks, and goggles. Never spray against the wind or during intense heat. Strictly observe the pre-harvest interval (PHI) printed on the label, and dispose of empty containers safely by triple-rinsing and puncturing.

Official source

Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.

Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage ↗

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Common questions

What does a green triangle on a pesticide container mean?

A green triangle signifies that the pesticide is categorized as slightly toxic, representing the safest chemical hazard class.

What is the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) for kitnashak?

PHI is the mandatory waiting period between the last pesticide spray and safe harvesting of crops to ensure non-toxic residue levels.

Where can farmers check official pesticide registrations in India?

Farmers can verify registered products on the official portal of the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (ppqs.gov.in).

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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