Pesticide Consumption in India | Pesticide consumption scenario in India
Using pesticides in agriculture is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring food security. However, the scenario in India presents a mixed picture of regulation, consumption, and environmental concerns. This blog delves into the pesticide consumption scenario in India for the year 2023-24, providing insights into registered pesticides, banned substances, and state-wise consumption patterns.
Table of Contents
Registered Pesticides and Formulations
India has a vast array of registered pesticides, totalling 339, reflecting the country's dependence on these chemicals to protect crops from pests and diseases. The registered pesticide formulations are categorized as follows:
A. Approved Formulations of Solo Pesticides:
- Insecticides: 271 formulation
- Herbicides: 107 formulations
- Plant Growth Regulators: 27 formulations
- Fungicides: 107 formulations
- Bio-Insecticides: 72 formulations
- Bio-Fungicides: 32 formulations
B. Formulations of Combination of Pesticides:
- Insecticides: 137 formulations
- Fungicides: 99 formulations
- Herbicides: 75 formulations
- Insecticide + Fungicide: 12 formulations
- Plant Growth Regulators: 2 formulations
- Plant Growth Regulator + Fungicide: 1 formulation
- Nematicide: 3 formulations
Pesticides Banned or Restricted
India has taken significant steps to regulate the use of harmful pesticides. As of March 31, 2024, the country has imposed the following restrictions:
- Pesticides Banned for Manufacture, Import, and Use: 49
- Pesticides Banned for Use but Manufactured for Export: 5
- Pesticides Withdrawn: 8
- Pesticides Restricted for Use: 16
- Pesticides Refused Registration: 18
These regulations highlight the government's efforts to balance agricultural needs with environmental and public health concerns.
State-Wise Pesticide Consumption
Pesticide consumption varies significantly across India, with certain states leading in usage. The top 5 states by pesticide consumption are:
- Uttar Pradesh: 11,824 Metric Tons (MT)
- Maharashtra: 6,814 MT
- Punjab: 5,130 MT
- Telangana: 4,920 MT
- Haryana: 4,066 MT
These 5 states account for 42.3% of India's total pesticide consumption, which stands at 52,466 MT.
On the other end of the spectrum, Goa and Mizoram report the least pesticide consumption, with 34 MT and 31 MT, respectively.
Bio-Pesticide Consumption
With growing awareness of the environmental impact of chemical pesticides, bio-pesticides are gaining popularity. In the year 2022-23, India consumed 7,248 MT of bio-pesticides at the national level. The leading consumers were:
- West Bengal: 1,234 MT
- Tamil Nadu: 907 MT
- Chhattisgarh: 740 MT
This shift towards bio-pesticides indicates a positive trend in sustainable agriculture practices.
Conclusion
The pesticide consumption scenario in India is a complex landscape of regulation, usage, and environmental impact. While certain states lead in pesticide use, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of bio-pesticides, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable agriculture. As regulations continue to evolve, it will be essential to balance the need for crop protection with environmental conservation and public health.
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