According to the data provided by the government in parliament, the consumption of chemical pesticides in the country has not decreased, and the average consumption in the past nine years is about 60,000 tons. On the other hand, the consumption of biological pesticides increased by more than 40% between 2015-16 and 2021-22, although its total consumption was less than 1/6 of that of chemical pesticides.
In order to ensure that agricultural production meets the growing food demand, pesticides are widely used to protect crops from pests. Although the supply of safe and effective pesticides and the wise use of agricultural communities are essential to the long-term sustainability of agriculture, pesticides have also been identified as the main threat to the sustainable development goals, because they may have adverse effects on non-target species and the environment.
Pesticide consumption is also the subject of discussion in various global conferences related to sustainability and environment. At the fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Indian government stated that the global numerical target of reducing pesticides was unnecessary and must be left to countries to decide, because food security was important in developing countries where agriculture was the main economic driver of rural communities.
For decades，The consumption of chemical pesticides in India has increased. India is an agricultural economy, and more than 40% of the labor force is employed in this sector, thus making agricultural development the focus of national planning and policies. India is one of the leading producers and consumers of pesticides in Asia and the world. India’s pesticide consumption has increased hundreds of times, from 154 tons in 1953-54 to 80,000 tons in 1994-95, with the Green Revolution as the main contributor. However, since then, due to the prohibition and restriction of the use of organochlorine pesticides and the implementation of integrated pest management programs, the consumption in 1999-2000 has steadily decreased to 54,135 metric tons.
The consumption of biological pesticides is increasing.
In recent years, the government is promoting the use of biological pesticides through various plans. In 2015-16, the consumption of biological pesticides at the national level was 6,148 tons, which rose to 8,898.92 tons in 2021-22. In other words, in the past seven years, the use of biological pesticides has increased by nearly 45%. Although the consumption of biological pesticides continues to increase, compared with traditional chemical pesticides, the quantity is still very small. In 2021-22, the proportion of biological pesticide consumption to chemical pesticide consumption was 15%, which was higher than 10.8% in 2015-16.
The government promotes sustainable agriculture.
According to the reply provided by Parliament, the central government promotes sustainable agriculture and encourages the use of biological pesticides through Paramparagat Krishivikas Yojana (PKVY) and organic value chain development in Northeast China (MOVCDNER). Organize educational programs for farmers to switch to environmentally friendly products. ICAR and National Agricultural University are also working hard to develop biological pesticides. In order to promote the wise use of pesticides, the central and state governments ensure that farmers are provided with correct knowledge/information about the recommended use of pesticides through their local institutions. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare also promotes integrated pest management methods through its 36 central integrated pest management centers in 28 states and 2 union territories. However, as mentioned earlier, chemical pesticides continue to be used in large quantities in many States.
Post time: Jan-18-2023