Facts about Pesticides in India
In India, pesticides are used on only 9% of the total cultivated land. The per hectare consumption of pesticides in India is 0.6 kg/ha, which is among the lowest in the world, where it can be as high as 17 kg per hectare.
- Around 40% of cultivated land is treated with pesticides, and 65–70% of treated land is irrigated.
- Jammu & Kashmir has the highest intensity of pesticide application at 2.337 kg/ha, followed by Punjab at 1.377 kg/ha and Haryana at 1.151 kg/ha.
- The consumption of biopesticides makes up approximately 9% of total pesticide consumption. By 2050, it is anticipated to represent up to 50% of the entire pesticide market.
- Benzene Hexachloride is the most common pesticide used in India, making up about 50% of the total volume of all pesticides used in the country.
- Cotton is the agricultural product that consumes the most pesticides at 93.27%, followed by vegetables (87.2%), wheat (66.4%), millet (52.6%), and mustard (12.6%).
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Impact of Pesticides Use in Agriculture: Benefits and Hazards
Pesticides play an important role in modern agriculture by effectively controlling pests and diseases. They contribute to increased crop yields and help protect crops from damage which ensures a stable food supply and provides economic sustainability for farmers. Pesticides also help in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases and enable the cultivation of a diverse range of crops, thereby contributing to global food security.
In this article, we will learn about pesticides, their benefits and hazards in agriculture.
Table of Content
- What is Pesticide?
- Facts about Pesticides in India
- Impact of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Benefits of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Hazards of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Pesticide Management in India