Pesticide Consumption in India and the World, Present Status and Growth: An Overview

Abstract

Pesticides play a crucial role in protecting crops from pests and diseases, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and food security. This review examines the present status, growth trends, and patterns of pesticide consumption in India and globally, with an emphasis on category-wise, state-wise, crop-wise, and international trade dynamics. The study is based on secondary data collected from FAOSTAT, government reports, and published literature and analysed using descriptive statistics, percentage change, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In Indian agriculture, per-hectare pesticide consumption is 0.5 kg, ranking eighth globally, and it remains far below the global average of 2.4 kg/ha. Within India’s pesticide chemical industry, insecticides dominated in terms of national consumption (51.6%), followed by fungicides and herbicides, reflecting intensive use in major crops such as cotton, rice, and pulses. Regional trends show wide variation, with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir accounting for significant shares. While overall consumption growth (CAGR 2.48%) indicates agricultural intensification, declining per-hectare usage and the promotion of biopesticides reflect growing awareness of sustainable practices. Globally, China, the USA, and Brazil lead pesticide consumption, while India’s use intensity remains among the lowest. The scientific value of this review lies in synthesising and interpreting recent information on pesticide consumption trends at national and global levels. Its practical significance lies in providing evidence-based insights for policymakers, researchers, extension agencies, and agricultural stakeholders to promote sustainable pest management practices. The study highlights the importance of balancing productivity needs with environmental and health safeguards, underscoring the need for strong policies, education, and research to encourage sustainable pest management in Indian agriculture.