Potential of Bio-Pesticides in Indian Agriculture Vis-a-Vis Rural Development
India Science and Technology 2008, May 2009
4 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2009 Last revised: 16 Jul 2014
Date Written: May 1, 2009
Abstract
Pest induced crop loss is on the rise despite increasing usage of pesticides. Fortunately, realization of the negative effects of chemicals (including on humans) shifted the focus to more reliable, sustainable and environment friendly agents of pest control - the Bio-pesticides. In spite of the claimed efficacy, their use, however, has remained very low due to a number of socio-economic, technological and institutional constraints. Nonetheless, rise in income levels coupled with increasing awareness of health related effects of chemicals increased the demand for organic foods. In view of this demand and the government’s efforts to mitigate climate change, bio-pesticides are going to play an important role in future pest management programmes. The status of bio-pesticides as well as their future prospects for increasing agricultural production in general and for sustainable rural development in particular is discussed here.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation