Source: TH
Context:
A global scientific study has identified India as one of the largest contributors to pesticide-related environmental toxicity. The findings raise concerns about biodiversity loss, ecosystem health and sustainability of agricultural systems.
Core Finding
India, along with China, Brazil and the United States, accounts for nearly 70% of global Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) from pesticides.
The study shows that global pesticide toxicity increased between 2013 and 2019, indicating that current policies are insufficient to curb ecological risk.
What is Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)?
TAT is a composite measure used to assess environmental harm from pesticides. It considers:
- quantity of pesticide applied
- chemical toxicity levels
- exposure risk to non-target organisms
Unlike simple usage data, TAT captures real ecological impact, making it a more meaningful indicator of environmental risk.
Drivers of Rising Toxicity
Structural agricultural factors
- Expansion of intensive farming systems
- High dependence on chemical pest control
- Large-scale cultivation of cereals, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables
Chemical transition
- Increased use of high-potency pesticides
- Replacement of older chemicals with more toxic but efficient formulations
Economic pressures
- Need to maximise yields
- Pest resistance requiring stronger chemicals
- Limited adoption of integrated pest management
Ecological Impacts
The study highlights major risks to non-target species, including:
- terrestrial arthropods (insects and pollinators)
- soil microorganisms
- aquatic organisms and fish
- plant biodiversity
These species are foundational to ecosystem functioning through:
- pollination
- soil fertility
- nutrient cycling
- food chain stability
Their decline threatens long-term agricultural productivity itself.
Human and Environmental Spillover
Pesticide exposure extends beyond farms into:
- food systems
- soil and water bodies
- domestic and urban environments
This creates risks of:
- bioaccumulation in food chains
- groundwater contamination
- public health impacts
Thus pesticide toxicity is both an ecological and human development issue.
Global Policy Context
At the 2022 UN biodiversity negotiations, countries committed to reducing pesticide risk by 50% by 2030.
However, the study shows the world is not on track to meet this target due to rising toxicity levels.
This signals a gap between international commitments and actual agricultural practices.
India-Specific Implications
Environmental governance challenge
India must balance food security needs with biodiversity protection.
Regulatory concerns
- Continued use of pesticides banned elsewhere
- Outdated legal frameworks
- Limited monitoring of non-agricultural pesticide exposure
Agricultural transition pressure
India faces growing need to shift toward:
- integrated pest management
- biological pest control
- agroecological farming
- precision agriculture
Policy and Development Significance
The findings highlight three major governance priorities:
- Chemical risk management
Strengthening pesticide approval, monitoring and liability systems. - Agricultural transformation
Reducing chemical dependency while maintaining productivity. - Data and reporting systems
Regular national reporting of pesticide use and ecological impact.
