The Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI) has urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to conduct a thorough examination of the claims made in the upcoming film The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress before granting certification for its scheduled public release on 24 July 2026.

In a letter addressed to Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Chairperson of the CBFC, ACFI expressed strong objections to what it described as misleading and unsubstantiated allegations concerning agrochemical products, India’s agricultural practices and the country’s food safety framework.

Concerns Over Scientific Accuracy

According to ACFI, the trailer presents India’s agricultural and food systems in an alarmist manner by drawing direct links between modern farming practices and various public health issues without providing scientific evidence.

Dr. Kalyan Goswami, Director General of ACFI, stated that the narrative portrayed in the trailer could adversely affect India’s agricultural reputation, undermine farmer livelihoods and create unwarranted concerns regarding national food security.

The association, which represents nearly 85% of India’s agrochemical sector, has requested that any misleading, exaggerated or unsupported content be addressed before the film is certified for public exhibition.

Reference to Scientific and Government Data

ACFI argued that several statements featured in the trailer are presented as factual without citing their source, methodology or scientific basis.

The association cited data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stating that India’s annual pesticide consumption is approximately 40,094 metric tonnes and emphasised that the application of pesticides under approved agricultural practices should not be interpreted as equivalent to public consumption.

It also referred to studies supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), noting that more than 96.5% of tested agricultural commodities comply with prescribed pesticide residue limits and are considered safe for consumption.

Objection to Health-Related Claims

ACFI further stated that the trailer appears to associate cancer incidence directly with agricultural produce, an assertion it said is not supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which identifies multiple established cancer risk factors.

The association also questioned the presentation of mortality figures related to pesticides, arguing that the context surrounding such statistics had been omitted.

Referring to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2024 report, ACFI noted that 7,821 cases were attributed to the accidental intake of insecticides or pesticides and cautioned against drawing broader conclusions without adequate context.

Concerns Over Agriculture and Trade

ACFI expressed concern that describing Indian food as “slow poison” could negatively affect public confidence and potentially influence international perceptions of Indian agricultural products.

According to the association, such claims could be referenced by overseas regulators, advocacy groups or competing exporters to question the safety of Indian agricultural produce, potentially impacting India’s agricultural exports.

The association also rejected what it described as an inaccurate portrayal of India’s food safety governance, stating that the country’s regulatory framework is overseen by multiple government institutions responsible for ensuring food safety while supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers and feeding a population of more than 1.4 billion people.

Call for Responsible Communication

ACFI urged that freedom of expression be exercised responsibly when addressing issues related to public health, food safety, agriculture and national interests.

The association maintained that inaccurate and unverified claims could undermine confidence in India’s regulatory institutions, affect the country’s agricultural sector and have long-term implications for its international reputation.