(1A)[ Person who applies for the grant of licence to sell, stock or exhibit for sale or distribute insecticides shall possess or employ a person possessing a graduate degree in Agricultural Sciences or Biochemistry or Biotechnology or Life Sciences or in Science with Chemistry or Botany or Zoology from a recognised university or Institute; OrOne year diploma course in Agriculture or Horticulture or related subjects from any government recognised university or institute with course content on plant protection and pesticides management:Provided that all retailers or dealers possessing a valid licence without the prescribed qualification as on the date of publication of these rules as amended by The Insecticides (Second Amendment) Rules, 2017 shall be allowed a period of two years to comply with the said qualifications:Provided further that the existing licensee of pesticides, who are more than forty-five years of age and who have been running their trade either themselves or have inherited with cumulative period of experience of more than ten years as on the date of publication of these rules as amended by The Insecticides (Second Amendment) Rules, 2017 and the annual turn over is less than Rs. five lakh are exempted from the aforesaid rule for a period of licenceship continuing in their name.
