Shifts in India’s Pesticide Market

India’s pesticide market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing pest profiles, labour shortages, evolving cropping patterns, and environmental concerns. Herbicide use is growing rapidly, signalling a shift from traditional insecticide-centric use to labour-saving, weed-control strategies.

Types of Crop Protection Chemicals

Pesticides, also known as crop protection chemicals, are classified into:

• Insecticides: Target insect pests (e.g., white-backed plant hopper in paddy).
• Fungicides: Control fungal infections (e.g., blast, sheath blight).
• Herbicides: Eliminate or suppress weeds.

While pesticide use in India remained low till the mid-20th century, the Green Revolution catalyzed its expansion. Regulatory bans (e.g., DDT, endosulfan) and rising labour costs have further influenced the market in recent decades.

Composition of India’s Crop Protection Market

• Total Organised Market: ₹24,500 crore
• Insecticides: ₹10,700 crore
• Herbicides: ₹8,200 crore (growing >10% annually)
• Fungicides: ₹5,600 crore
• Global Use: Over 3.7 million tonnes of pesticides were used globally in 2022, double the 1990 levels (FAO).
• Regional Leaders: Asia dominates in production and usage, led by China and India.

Herbicides are the fastest-growing segment due to mechanisation needs and labour substitution.

Growth Drivers for Herbicide Use in India

• Labour Shortage & Cost:
  • Manual weeding takes 8–10 hours/acre.
  • Average daily wage for agricultural labour rose to ₹447.6 in Dec 2024 (Labour Bureau), from ₹326.2 in 2019.
• Erratic Labour Availability: Due to migration and rising opportunity costs.
• Herbicides as Labour Substitutes: Function like mechanised tools (e.g., tractors, harvesters).

Regulatory Framework

• Insecticides Act, 1968: Governs all aspects of pesticide lifecycle.
• Banned Pesticides: India has banned 46 pesticides; others like Paraquat and Glyphosate are under review.
• CIB&RC: Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee approves and regulates pesticide usage.
• Anupam Verma Committee: Reviewed 66 pesticides still registered in India but banned globally.

Government Initiatives Promoting Sustainable Pesticide Use

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic and biopesticide-based farming.
• Kisan Drone Scheme (2022): Subsidizes drone-based precision pesticide application.
• Kisan Kavach Protective Kit: Developed by DBT to ensure applicator safety.

Key Concerns

• Environmental & Health Hazards: Overuse leads to water/soil contamination, pest resistance, and health risks.
• Weak Regulatory Oversight: Absence of a robust approval mechanism like the EPA (USA) or EFSA (EU).
• Import Dependence: India relies on MNCs for active ingredients and formulations due to weak domestic R&D.

Way Forward

1. Promote Biopesticides: Accelerate approvals, provide incentives, and strengthen production systems.
2. Strengthen Enforcement: Ensure state-level regulatory compliance and curb spurious pesticide sales.
3. Farmer Training & Awareness: Expand extension outreach on rational, need-based pesticide use.
4. Digital Traceability: Use QR codes for real-time tracking of pesticide origin and authenticity.
5. Boost R&D: Invest in green chemistry, nano-formulations, and IPM innovation.
6. Ban Hazardous Chemicals: Gradually phase out Class I pesticides per FAO-WHO standards.

The Indian Express