How the nod to critical pesticides will bolster India's agricultural progress

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₹3,000 crore. In such a situation, pesticides play a vital role in managing pest resistance and diseases. India has set a goal to double farmer’s income.

Higher incomes are a function of two factors–higher yields and lower costs. The use of these 24 pesticides ticks both boxes. These pesticides also belong to specific modes of action which are essential for resistance management of insect pests and diseases.

Alternatives to these pesticides could cost an additional burden of nearly ₹4,500 crore as alternatives are largely imported at exorbitant prices. According to data from the commerce ministry, the value of India’s agricultural exports was $52 billion in the year 2022-23. The ministry has set a target for commodities exports to cross $100 billion in the coming years.

Agriculture accounts for 14% of merchandise exports. In that sense, it is a trade surplus sector. But maintaining that surplus will be challenging.

The government has already placed curbs on exports of wheat and rice and tightened restrictions on sugar and onion exports. Falling yields are primarily on account of disrupted climate patterns resulting from global warming. With climate change only expected to accelerate, maintaining and, more importantly, growing yields will become increasingly difficult.

The use of these 24 pesticides is crucial not only to safeguard yields but also enhance India’s agricultural export potential. Moreover, the generic formulations of these pesticides represent a significant export opportunity, promising substantial economic benefits as projected by the commerce ministry. According to the commerce ministry’s own estimates, the continuity of the pesticides will ensure Rs.10,000 crores of exports.