Indian farmer utilises pesticides optimally: CCFI

Date:02-23-2023

As per latest finding, India ranks 2^nd in the world in agricultural production having achieved $543 bn during the year 2021, only after China. India has surpassed USA with a production of $224 bn. and entire EU at $278 bn. India is the only country,  with a world share in double digits at 13% only 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%.

Agrochemical Use- 2020
Category	World	India	India share
Herbicides	13,97,465	9,749	1%
Fungicides and Bactericides	6,05,986	20,092	3%
Insecticides	4,71,238	31,731	7%
Others	1,86,435	130	0%
Total Pesticides Use	26,61,124	61,702	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:

Agrochemical   use – 2020
Rank	Countries	Use (‘000   tons)	World   % Share
1	USA	407,779	15%
2	Brazil	377,176	14%
3	China	262,700	10%
4	Argentina	241,294	9%
5	Russian	90,535	3%
6	Canada	78,893	3%
7	France	65,216	2%
8	Australia	63,416	2%
9	India	61,702	2%
10	Italy	56,556	2%
11	Other	955,857	36%
Total- World		2,661,124	100%

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

Countries	Consumption
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)

Mr. 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 9^th 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.