Why in the News
A new study published in Science finds that India is among four countries contributing nearly 70 percent of the world’s Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) from agricultural pesticides. Experts have also raised concerns that the proposed Pesticides Management Bill 2025 may weaken safeguards compared to the older law.
What is Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)?
- TAT measures not just the quantity of pesticides used, but their toxicity and lethality to non target species.
- Researchers analysed over 600 pesticides across 65 countries from 2013 to 2019.
- Global TAT has increased, especially for around 20 commonly used agricultural pesticides.
Countries Driving Global TAT
- Four major contributors: China, Brazil, United States, and India
- Together, they account for nearly 70 percent of global pesticide toxicity.
- Only Chile is currently on track to meet the UN target of reducing pesticide risk by 50 percent by 2030.
Impact on Biodiversity
Species most affected:
- Terrestrial arthropods
- Soil organisms
- Fish
- Pollinators
- Aquatic plants
- Terrestrial vertebrates
Regions with high increases include sub Saharan Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Link to Global Commitments
- At the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, countries committed to reducing pesticide risk by 50 percent by 2030. The findings indicate that global progress is not on track.
Indian Legal Framework
1. Insecticides Act 1968
- Focused mainly on agricultural use
- Limited regulation of domestic and non agricultural applications
- Considered outdated
- India reportedly uses several pesticides that are banned in parts of Europe, such as paraquat.
2. Pesticides Management Bill 2025
- Proposed to replace the 1968 Act
- Aims to reduce risk to people and environment
- Encourages biological and traditional knowledge based alternatives
- Experts warn that without stronger liability and monitoring provisions, it may not significantly improve regulation
| [2019] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as:
(a) pesticides in agriculture (b) preservatives in processed foods (c) fruit-ripening agents (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics |
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