Indian Agro-Production And Pesticides

India is an agricultural country. Agricultural production in India is mainly dependent on rain-fed irrigation. Pesticides are extensively used in Indian agriculture to protect crops from pests. In this article, we will discuss the effects of pesticides on Indian agriculture, with special reference to organochlorine pesticides.

What are Pesticides?

Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, eradicating, or controlling pests, such as vectors of human and animal disease, undesirable plant species, and animals is considered a pesticide. Pesticides are classified according to their function and style of application, with insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other pesticides being the most common. Insecticides account for the largest share of pesticide usage in India, which includes both preventative treatments, which are applied before infestation levels are known and intervention treatments, which are based on monitored infestation levels and predicted crop damages. The use of pesticides in Indian agriculture was negligible in the early 1950s, with only 100 tonnes of pesticides being consumed at the beginning of the First Five-Year Plan. In 2010-11, the use of pesticides (technical grade material) was 55.54 thousand tonnes. However, pesticide usage varies considerably from one state to another.

Indian Agricultural Production

The Gross Cropped Area (GCA) in India was around 139.57 Mha in 2013-14 which is about 54% of the total geographical area of the country. The GCA has increased at an average annual rate of 0.79% during 1950-51 to 2013-14. Agricultural production is highly dependent on the monsoon. India receives about 75% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season (July-September). The distribution of rainfall is also uneven, with about 50% of the GCA being rain-fed. There is a wide inter-regional and intra-regional variation in the production of crops in India. The northern and north-eastern regions are the rain-fed areas while the southern and western parts have better irrigation facilities. The GCA under irrigation was around 53.77 Mha in 2013-14, which is about 38% of the total GCA.

Effects of Pesticides

Increasing attention has been focused on the health risks and environmental concerns caused by pesticides’ unchecked usage in recent years (particularly during the previous two decades). The negative effects of chemicals on human beings are both immediate and long-lasting.

Another disadvantage of pesticides is that the targeted pests become resistant to them. As a result, higher and more toxic doses of more and more hazardous chemicals must be used to achieve the same results. The use of fertilisers and pesticides implies that plants undergo physiological changes, resulting in the development and growth of multiple pests. It’s also worth noting that pesticide applications require a scientific approach called Integrated Pest Management. Because of the aforementioned reasons, what is now recommended is not only pest extermination but also the economic use of pesticides with the least ecotoxicological effects. The three most important aspects of the current pest control system are integrated pest management (IPM) programs, locust monitoring and control, and plant and seed quarantine. Integrated Pest Management refers to the use of multiple methods to control pests. Biological control of pests, monitoring for pests, and educating and raising public awareness about Integrated Pest Management are all part of Integrated Pest Management. Botanicals (neem-based) and bio-pesticides are used in safer pesticides.

Commonly Used Pesticides

In India, the most common pesticides used are organochlorines, which were introduced in the country in the late 1950s. These pesticides are very effective in controlling pests, but they also have many disadvantages. They are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain, resulting in health risks to both humans and animals. Furthermore, they can cause environmental damage and are considered to be one of the major groups of pollutants of concern.

Some Commonly Used Organochlorine Pesticides Are

• DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
• Aldrin
• Dieldrin
• Endosulfan
• Hexachlorocyclohexane
• Methyl Parathion
• Tetrachlorvinphos

While organochlorine pesticides are the most commonly used pesticides in India, there is a growing trend towards the use of more modern and safer pesticides. These newer pesticides are less persistent in the environment and have fewer health and environmental risks. However, they are generally more expensive than organochlorines and may not be as effective against certain pests.

Some Commonly Used Newer Pesticides Are

• Glyphosate
• Bt toxins
• Imidacloprid
• Acephate
• Carbaryl

While there are both advantages and disadvantages to using pesticides, it is important to remember that they can be an important tool in protecting crops from pests. When used correctly, they can help to ensure a good yield and minimise crop damage. However, it is also important to be aware of the risks involved in using pesticides and to take steps to minimise those risks.

Conclusion

Pesticides are used in agro production to increase the yield of crops and to protect them from pests. While there are advantages to using pesticides, there are also risks involved, such as health risks to both humans and animals, environmental damage, and the development of resistance in pests. When using pesticides, it is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to minimise them.