OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 19-Mar-2026 | Pages: 29-40 | Doi : 10.37446/vol2book092025/29-40
Pesticides play an essential role in sustaining agricultural productivity; nevertheless, their prevalence and often indiscriminate use have resulted in significant concerns related to the environmental toxicity and human health hazards. This chapter presents a detailed examination of pesticide use patterns in Indian agriculture and examines the associated environmental toxicity through evidence drawn from peer-reviewed research, national surveys, and government reports. Data from regulatory and monitoring agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS), and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), are synthesized to highlight trends in pesticide consumption, poisoning incidents, and regulatory enforcement. The chapter critically evaluates the fate and transport of pesticides in soil and water systems, as well as their ecotoxicological impacts on biodiversity. Policy frameworks such as the Insecticides Act, 1968, the proposed Pesticides Management Bill, and national Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are discussed to assess their effectiveness in mitigating environmental risks. Emerging alternative solutions, such as microbial and nano-enabled pesticides, precision application technologies, eco-friendly pest management protocols and sustainable pest management strategies, are also reviewed. By integrating scientific literature with government policy and monitoring data, this chapter aims to provide a holistic understanding of pesticide-induced environmental toxicity in Indian agriculture and outlines future directions for environmentally sustainable and health-conscious pesticide management.
Pesticides, Indian Agriculture, Environmental Toxicity, Exposure Risks, Policy Frameworks, Sustainable Pest Management
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