Benefits of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
From the pesticide use there are two level of benefits, primary and secondary. Primary benefits are direct gains from the use of pesticides and secondary benefits are effects that are more long-term. Some of the benefits of the pesticide use in agriculture includes:
Increased Crop Yields
Pesticides contribute to increased crop yields, by preventing or minimizing damage from pests. It can increase crop yields by an average of 30% and improve crop quality. Pesticides have helped increase the production of major crops, including rice, which has more than doubled since 1960. They have also helped in the control and management of pasture and forage crop pests. Overall it has resulted in meeting the growing global demand for food by raising productivity per hectare.
- India consumes 0.6 kg of pesticides per hectare, which is among the lowest in the world. The Indian pesticides market was worth around Rs. 212 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach INR 320 billion by 2027.
- In India, 65% of fiber crops, 50% of fruits, 46% of vegetables, 43% of spices, 28% of oilseeds, and 23% of pulses are treated with pesticides.
- In 2021-2022, Maharashtra consumed the highest amount of chemical pesticides in India at 13,175 metric tons.
- Without pesticides, fruit production would decrease by 78%, vegetable production by 54%, and cereal production by 32%.
Crop Protection
Pesticides are important for protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds and which prevents a significant yield loss. According to a report weeds reduce yield of dry land crops by 37–79% and severe infestation of weeds, particularly in the early stage of crop development can result in yield reduction of 40%. Herbicides use can provide both an economic and labour benefit. Pesticides help farmers manage and mitigate the impact of pests, ensuring a more reliable and consistent food supply.
- In India, pesticides are used to protect vulnerable seedlings in pastures and forage crops and can also be used to reduce the population of pests in established crops and pastures.
- Chemical pesticides can also help check insect-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, encephalitis, and filariasis in human health.
Disease Prevention
- Pesticides are used to control pests and disease carriers, such as mosquitoes, ticks, rats, and mice and can protect humans from vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and schistosomiasis.
- They are also used to control weeds, insect infestation, and diseases in agriculture. Insecticides are used to control the insects that spread deadly diseases such as malaria.
- It can result in an estimated 5000 deaths each day. Millions of lives having been saved or enhanced with the use of DDT alone.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
- Pesticides offer a cost-effective and efficient way to manage pests compared to manual or mechanical methods.
- Applying pesticides allows farmers to save time and resources, making agricultural operations more economically viable.
- This efficiency is particularly important for large-scale farming, where labor-intensive pest control methods may be impractical.
- Despite the cost of pesticides, the potential losses without their use make the investment economically viable, resulting in higher net income.
Improved Food Quality and Economic Benefits for Farmers
- Pesticides can help maintain the quality of harvested crops by reducing blemishes, discoloration caused by pests and diseases and also help maintain the quality of harvested crops by preventing damage during growth, storage, and transportation.
- This ensures that consumers receive safe and high-quality produce. Preserving the quality of crops also reduces food waste and enhances overall food security.
- Pesticides help farmers protect their investments in seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. By safeguarding crops, pesticides reduce the financial risks associated with crop failure and losses which ensures a more stable income for farmers.
Support for Sustainable Agriculture
Use of the pesticides can contribute to sustainable agriculture, such as Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, cultural, and chemical control methods, help minimize environmental harm while still providing effective pest control and contributes to increased crop production.
Global Trade and Market Access
Pesticides help meet the stringent quality standards required for international trade and ensure that crops meet the necessary safety and quality standards. It facilitates access to global markets and supportes agricultural exports.
Impact of Pesticides Use in Agriculture: Benefits and Hazards
Pesticides play an important role in modern agriculture by effectively controlling pests and diseases. They contribute to increased crop yields and help protect crops from damage which ensures a stable food supply and provides economic sustainability for farmers. Pesticides also help in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases and enable the cultivation of a diverse range of crops, thereby contributing to global food security.
In this article, we will learn about pesticides, their benefits and hazards in agriculture.
Table of Content
- What is Pesticide?
- Facts about Pesticides in India
- Impact of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Benefits of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Hazards of Pesticide Use in Agriculture
- Pesticide Management in India