India’s pesticide debate is heating up—but a new industry-backed explainer is pushing back hard against what it calls a wave of misinformation clouding public perception.

 

CropLife India has released a “myth-versus-fact” report, warning that rising concerns over food residues, environmental risks and product safety are increasingly being shaped by misconceptions rather than evidence. While acknowledging that misuse is a legitimate concern, the group cautioned that alarmist narratives risk obscuring the harsh realities farmers face in protecting their crops.

 

The stakes are enormous. Agriculture underpins the livelihoods of more than 93 million households and roughly 150 million farmers, accounting for about 46% of India’s workforce and contributing 16–18% of GDP. Yet every year, pests and diseases wipe out an estimated 10–35% of crops—losses that can surge even higher during severe outbreaks, according to government data.

 

Against that backdrop, India’s pesticide use remains strikingly low by global standards. Farmers typically apply just 0.3–0.6 kg per hectare—far below the 2–4 kg used across much of Europe, around 13 kg in China and over 10 kg in parts of East Asia.

 

CropLife India, which represents research-driven crop science companies, said the public discourse must reflect these realities while still emphasising responsible use and strong oversight.

 

“The objective of this explainer is to encourage a more balanced and evidence-based conversation around pesticides,” said Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India. “Crop protection products play a critical role in safeguarding crops from pests and diseases and helping farmers secure yields. At the same time, the industry strongly supports responsible use, stewardship and adherence to India’s rigorous regulatory framework.”

 

The organisation argued that widely held beliefs—such as pesticides being overused or loosely regulated—fail to account for India’s relatively low consumption levels and its structured system for product approval and evaluation. The new explainer aims to cut through the noise, addressing concerns around safety, residue management, environmental impact and regulation using scientific evidence and official data.

 

Even so, the group stressed that the path forward hinges on vigilance. It called for stronger farmer training, improved stewardship practices and continued regulatory oversight to ensure pesticides are used safely and effectively.

 

CropLife India reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers and promoting best practices—framing crop protection not as a controversy, but as a critical pillar of India’s food security and agricultural sustainability.