India, July 1 -- A letter to several Union ministries has raised concerns over the absence of clear rules for pesticide-coated seeds in India.

It says farmers, workers and consumers often have no way of knowing whether seeds have been treated, which chemicals were used or in what quantities.

The letter warns of risks from accidental consumption, possible pesticide residues, worker exposure and contamination from seed processing units.

Public policy expert Dr Narasimha Reddy Donthi has called for mandatory labelling, formal safety assessments and stronger oversight of hazardous chemicals used in seed processing.

Concerns have been raised over the widespread use of pesticide-coated seeds and hazardous chemicals used in seed processing u...