Pesticide consumption in India: A spatiotemporal analysis§

Abstract

The paper has described the consumption trends of pesticides over two decade period, 1991–2012 across the states in India. The pesticide economy of India is more export-oriented in nature. The growth rate of domestic consumption of pesticides, however, over different decades has shown wide fluctuations, though the overall trend is negative (−2.48%). While analysing the trend of pesticide consumption in 29 states and Union Territories (UTs) of India for the period 2000 to 2013, a positive growth trend has been observed in 17 states/UTs. The positive growth has been observed highest in Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Tripura. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana are the states that accounted for 70 per cent of total pesticide consumption. The use-intensity has been found highest in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Punjab and Haryana. However, Punjab and Haryana have exhibited a declining trend in pesticide consumption. On the contrary, Meghalaya where the intensity of application is comparatively low, has registered an increasing trend in pesticide consumption. The majority areas in NE region in general apply low levels of pesticides and are in a declining mode of consumption, except the states like Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland (positive growth rate). The paper has also discussed the retail sale pattern of pesticides. The paper has highlighted the need for critical review of mismatch in policy and governance in the pesticide sector.