Indian farmers utilise pesticides optimally: CCFI

Most other countries including USA and those in the EU such as France, Spain, Italy & Germany use more pesticides than India on per unit area and per unit of output basis.

India ranks 2nd in the world in agricultural production having achieved US$543 billion during 2021 after China, as per latest finding. India has surpassed USA with a production of US$224 billion and EU at $278 bn. India is the only country with a double digit share at 13% after China whose share is 31%.

As per information collated by Centre for Environment & Agriculture, India consumes 61702 tons of agrochemicals against a global consumption of 26,61,124 tons which makes India’s share just 2%.

Interestingly, category wise Insecticides at 51% continue to dominate Indian agrochemical market with major consumption on cotton, paddy vegetables etc. followed by Fungicides & Bactericides at 32% and Herbicides at 16%.

Fungicides are used to prevent or eradicate fungal infections from plants or seeds. In agriculture, they are increasingly used to protect tubers, fruits and vegetables in field, besides significant use during storage. They are applied directly to ornamental plants, trees, field crops, cereals and turf grasses.

In India herbicides segment is static though they are convenient to use on perennial and parasitic weeds where other methods are not effective. Herbicides can effectively be used in closely planted crops where manual and mechanical weeding is not possible. With labour becoming scarce, chemical usage should also go up. 

India ranks 2nd in the world in agriculture production due to high level of productivity in the agricultural sector, introduction and adoption of new technology, water conservation etc.  has ensured   abundant and affordable food while fostering economic growth. Though China is way ahead than us in agricultural production, India ranks 9th in pesticide use. Most other countries including USA and those in the EU such as France, Spain, Italy & Germany use more pesticides than India on per unit area and per unit of output basis.

The data retrieved shows USA as the top consuming country for agrochemicals at 4,07,779 tons followed by Brazil, China & others as listed in table below:

 “India’s crop protection chemicals consumption is one of the lowest in the world.

    India                      0.38 kg/ha

    China                     11.0 kg/ha

    Japan                     10.9 kg/ha

    France/Germany 3.7 kg/ha

    UK                          2.8 kg/ha

    (Source: Philips McDougall and World Bank Database)

Harish Mehta, Senior Advisor CCFI said “This totally demolishes a false propaganda promoted by foreign funded activists and some allied vested interests aimed at reducing market success of our agriculture product globally. It is worthwhile to mention that several vested interests in the world, who want to keep India backward, are financing these NGO’s for publishing blatant lies to create fear psychosis not only among the rural masses, but also educated urban customers, housewives, bureaucrats, scientists etc. Indian food is safe for human consumption besides accepted worldwide in exports”

India ranks 9th in pesticides use thereby proving the point that Indian farmers use recommended doze on different crop segments thereby ensuring judicious use. The role of Indian corporates has been noteworthy as the Farmer Training Programs conducted are focused on inculcating safe and optimal use of agrochemicals.