Download to read offline
Intensive use of Agrochemicals in agri.pptx
- 1. 1 Intensive use ofAgrochemicals and their effect on plant, soil and animals Muskan (24-P-FP-01)
- 2. 2 What are Agrochemicals? History of Agrochemicalsin India Present scenario Benefits Constraints and demerits Future Thrust
- 3. 3 What are Agrochemicals? Agrochemicalsare chemical products utilized in industrial agriculture to enhance productivity and manage ecosystems. These include: • Pesticides: Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, algaecides, rodenticides, molluscicides, and nematicides. • Fertilizers: Used to supply essential nutrients for plant growth. • Soil Conditioners: Improve soil structure and fertility. • Liming and Acidifying Agents: Modify soil pH for optimal crop growth. • Plant Growth Regulators: Stimulate or regulate specific plant growth processes.
- 4. 4 Classification of Agrochemicals Agrochemicalsare broadly categorized based on their purpose and chemical nature. 1. Fungicides • Inorganic Fungicides: Mercuric chloride, Sulfur, Bordeaux mixture. • Organic Fungicides: Dithanes (e.g., S-21, Z-78), Oxathiins (e.g., Vitavax), Mercury compounds, Benzimidazole derivatives (e.g., Benlate). 2. Herbicides Examples: Methyl Bromide, Ethylene Bromide, Chloropicrin, Aldirab (Propylene oxide and dazomet). 3. Insecticides • Organophosphates: Malathion, Parathion, Fenitrothion. • Carbamates: Aldicarb, Propoxur, Carbofuran. • Pyrethroids: Permethrin, Cypermethrin. • Organochlorines: DDT, Endosulfan, Aldrin. 4. Rodenticides Examples: Ethylene Dibromide, Organophosphates (e.g., Malathion, Chlorpyrifos), Carbamates (e.g., Methomyl, Carbaryl), Pyrethroids (e.g., Permethrin). 5. Algicides Examples: Dichlorophen, Bluestone, Cupric sulfate. 6. Others • Soil Fumigants: Methyl Bromide, Chloropicrin. • Growth Regulators: Hormones influencing plant growth. • Defoliants: Chemicals that remove foliage (e.g., paraquat)
- 5. 5 History of Agrochemicals Pre-Green RevolutionEra (1950–1965) Between 1950 and 1965, Indian agriculture suffered from low productivity, recurrent food shortages, and a heavy reliance on U.S. imports under the PL-480 program. Key Aspects: •Agricultural Growth Strategy: Expansion of cultivated land (1.4% annual growth) was prioritized over yield improvements. •Major Challenges: Slow yield growth (2.1% annually), frequent droughts and famines, and dependence on cereal imports (up to 10 million tonnes). •Policy Initiatives: Land reforms, cooperatives, and irrigation projects were introduced under the Five-Year Plans but failed to ensure food self-sufficiency. The Green Revolution (1965 onwards): The Green Revolution was launched as part of the New Agricultural Strategy (NAS) during the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–66) to address India’s food security crisis. It marked a paradigm shift from area-driven to yield-driven agricultural growth. Key Components: • High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of Seeds: Introduced in wheat (e.g., Kalyan Sona, Sonalika) and later rice (e.g., IR-8). HYVs were responsive to chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, offering significantly higher yields. • Increased Use of Fertilizers and Irrigation: Fertilizer consumption rose from 0.5 kg/ha in the early 1950s to over 50 kg/ha by the late 1980s. Expansion of irrigation infrastructure, including large-scale dam projects like Bhakra-Nangal, increased the net irrigated area from 30 million hectares in 1960 to over 60 million hectares by the late 1980s. • State-Led Institutional Support: Minimum Support Prices (MSP), Introduced in 1966–67 to incentivize farmers to adopt HYVs. • Credit Facilities: Expansion of rural credit through institutions like NABARD. • Marketing Mechanisms: Establishing procurement agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) ensured stable market access for farmers. • Farm Mechanization: Adopting tractors, threshers, and other machinery reduced labor dependency and increased efficiency.
- 6. 6 Pesticide usage andmarket dynamics Three Periods of Pesticide Use: • Before 1870s: Natural compounds were used to control pests. • 1870–1945: Inorganic synthetic materials, such as copper and sulfur compounds, were introduced. The Bordeaux mixture, based on copper sulphate and lime, became widely used. • Post-1945: Synthetic pesticides like DDT, BHC, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Chlordane, Parathion, Captan, and 2,4-D were discovered and became integral to agriculture. Global Pesticide Consumption: • Highest pesticide use recorded in Taiwan (13.35 kg a.i./ha), followed by Japan (11.89 kg a.i./ha). • India’s pesticide consumption is 337 g/ha, lower than the global average of 645 g/ha. Pesticide Use in India: • In 2021–22, India had a total cultivated area of 173.99 million hectares, with only 20.96% of this area free of pesticide application. • As of October 2022, 318 pesticides were registered for agricultural use by the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC). Market Overview: • The global agrochemical and pesticide market was valued at $278.43 billion in 2023. • It is projected to grow to $320.92 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4%.
- 7. 7 Fertilizer Statistics inIndia and World • Over the last five decades, the Indian Fertilizer Industry has witnessed exceptional growth, establishing itself as the third-largest in the world. • India also ranks second in the production of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers, whereas the requirement of potash is met through imports (since there are limited reserves of potash). • India is the world's second-largest consumer of urea. • India and China accounts for 40% of global consumption of fertilizers. • The use of chemical fertilizers increased from less than 2 million tonnes during the pre-Green Revolution period in 1966-67 to the level of about 30.64 million MT in 2023-24. • Per hectare use of total nutrients (N+P2O5+K2O) improved from 136.2 kg in 2022-23 to 139.8 kg in 2023-24. • All-India NPK use ratio changed to 10.9:4.4:1 during 2023-24 from 11.8:4.6:1 during 2022-23. • Gujarat state is largest producer of fertilizer in India.
- 8. 8 1950-51 1960-61 1970-711980-81 1990-91 2000-01 2010-11 2020-21 2022-23 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000 55 211.7 1479.3 3678.1 7997.2 10920.2 16558.2 20404 20206.3 8.8 53.1 541 1213.6 3221 4214.6 8049.7 8977.9 7921.5 6 29 236.3 623.9 1328 1567.5 3514.3 3153.7 1715.8 69.8 293.8 2256.6 5515.6 12546.2 16702.3 28122.2 32535.6 29843.6 Fertilizer consumption over the years in India (‘000 tonnes) N (Nitrogen) P O (Phosphorus) ₂ ₅ K O (Potassium) ₂ Total Consumption Source: FAI
- 9. 9 Consumption Production ImportConsumption Production Import Consumption* Import Urea ('000 MT) DAP ('000 MT) MOP ('000 MT) 0.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 20,000.00 25,000.00 30,000.00 35,000.00 40,000.00 Production, consumption and import of Urea, DAP and MOP from 2010-11 to 2023-24 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 (P) Source: Annual Review of Fertilizer Production and Consumption 2023-24, Indian Journal of Fertilisers
- 10. 10 A schematic illustrationsummarizing the environmental impacts of agrochemical spills (Fertilizers) (Source: Reproduced from Bhardwaj et al. 2022). Schematic representation of overview of the spillage effects of... | Download Scientific Diagram
- 11. 11 The World HealthOrganization (WHO) states that three million people in poor countries have suffered from pesticide poisoning. Source: PAN International
- 12. 12 Environmental problems associatedwith fertilizer use, their causes, and mitigation strategies: Environmental Concern Cause Possible Solutions Groundwater Contamination Nitrate leaching Efficient fertilizer application, enhanced formulations, controlled use Eutrophication Soil erosion and surface runoff Minimize runoff, improve irrigation, implement water harvesting Methemoglobinemia High nitrate levels in drinking water and food Reduce nitrate exposure in drinking water Acid Rain & Ammonia Redeposition NOx reactions forming nitric acid, ammonia volatilization Reduce ammonia loss, optimize fertilizer use, apply inhibitors Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizers Use nitrification inhibitors, enhance nitrogen-use efficiency
- 13. 13 Persistence Half-Life HerbicidesInsecticides Fungicides Non-Persistent 1–2 weeks Glyphosate, Paraquat Malathion, Carbaryl Captan, Mancozeb Slightly Persistent 2–6 weeks MCPA, 2,4-D Permethrin, Acephate Thiophanate-methyl, Metalaxyl Moderately Persistent <6 months Atrazine, Simazine, Monuron, Linuron, Terbacil, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid Azoxystrobin, Carbendazim Highly Persistent >6 months Trifluralin, Diuron DDT, Endosulfan Chlorothalonil, PCNB (Pentachloronitrobenzen e) Persistence of a few selected pesticides in soil:
- 14. 14 Boost Food Production • Higheryields Enhance Crop Yields • Fertilizers improve productivity Crop Protection • Shields crops from pests, nematodes, and weeds • Reduces toxicity via photochemical changes Economic Benefits • Herbicides create jobs and boost economy Insect Management • Insecticides effectively control harmful pests Benefits
- 15. 15 2013-14 2014-15 2015-162016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2635.05 2520.23 2515.41 2751.1 2850.14 2852.09 2975.04 3107.42 3156.16 3296.87 3288.52 Total Foodgrain Production (India) (lakh MT) Year Production Source: DA&FW
- 16. 16 Constraints and demerits Accordingto Han and Farooq (2000), “A severe problem arises when bacteria develop a resistance to pesticides and fish in various bodies of water have died due to pesticide usage.“ Careless and persistent use of agrochemicals leads to: Degradation of soil fertility Resurgence of pests Loss of pollinators and natural predators Development of pesticide resistance Emergence of drug-resistant phytopathogens Hazards to human and animal health, including diseases and limb disorders Destruction of native flora and fauna Issues of bioaccumulation and biomagnification Contribution to climate change Environmental pollution
- 17. 17 Use of Agrochemicals Soil Pollution→ Decreased Soil Fertility, Soil Contamination, Microbial Imbalance Air Pollution → Toxic Airborne Particles, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Respiratory Issues Biodiversity Loss → Harm to Pollinators (Bees, Butterflies), Decline in Beneficial Organisms, Disrupted Ecosystem Balance Water Pollution → Contaminated Water Bodies, Groundwater Pollution, Harm to Aquatic Life Human Health Issues → Respiratory Problems, Skin Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Cancer Risks Food Contamination → Pesticide Residues in Crops, Bioaccumulation in Food Chain, Health Risks Ecosystem Disruption → Loss of Natural Predators, Reduced Crop Diversity, Soil Erosion Constraints and demerits
- 18. 18 Source : KatinaChachei 2024 Fig. 1 a) Share of GHG emissions in India by sectors (%) b) Share of GHG emissions from agricultural sub-sector (%)
- 19.
- 20. 20 Conclusion •Agrochemicals, while effectivefor pest control, often lead to harmful effects on the environment, such as pollution and ecological imbalance. •Using biological alternatives like natural pest control methods can reduce these negative impacts and still protect crops. •It is important to find a balance between producing enough food and keeping ecosystems healthy. •Understanding how agrochemicals work at a molecular level can help create safer, more precise solutions for farming. •Switching to eco-friendly farming methods can lead to a better relationship between agriculture and nature, benefiting both the planet and future generations.
- 21.
Editor's Notes
- #3 Agrochemicals are compounds used to boost crop or plant growth, such as fertilisers, fungicides, insec ticides, and nematicides (Biswas et al., 2014). The extensive use of pesticides has had an impact on soil microorganisms as well as the entire ecosystem (Onder et al., 2011). The primary decreasing biotic fac DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-9838-5.ch015 Copyright © 2024, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Impact of Agrochemicals on the Environment and Ecological Alternatives tors in agriculture are weeds and insects, which reduce crop production, productivity, and resource use effectiveness (Oliveira et al., 2014). These agricultural chemicals are expensive and polluting (Bahadur et al., 2015). These agrochemicals pollute water resources by getting into bodies of water. Pesticide residues continue to build up in the soil and biomagnify in plant and animal tissues. Health issues may result from this, which is hazardous to people (Hans and Farooq, 2000). This is a severe problem since the bacteria develop a resistance to the insecticides. Fish have also died as a result of pesticide use in numerous water bodies. In general, the dosage of the chemical, the characteristics of the soil, and many environmental conditions will affect the effects of pesticides on microorganisms differently. As a result of the decline in organic matter, the soil’s microbiota and microbial enzymes are also impacted (Kalia and Gosal, 2011). Rhizobium-legume symbiosis has been impacted by the usage of herbicides. According to Kalia and Gosal (2011), the application of fungicide has caused a decrease in the population of soil fungi.
- #6 The over and misuse of agrochemical and pesticides has precedence to immense health problem, economic loss and various environmental problem and had an impact on soil microorganisms as well as the entire ecosystem (Onder et al., 2011). The overuse of agrochemicals also leads to environmental pollution such as air, water, soil pollution, etc. and cause imbalance in the ecosystem and it pollute water resources by getting into bodies of water (Aktar et al., 2009). The primary decreasing biotic factors in agriculture are weeds and insects, which reduce crop production, productivity, and resource use effectiveness (Oliveira et al., 2014). Besides, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides helped by increasing agricultural yield and shield crops from disease pathogens and phytophagous pests, respectively. In general, the dosage of the chemical, the characteristics of the soil, and many environmental conditions will affect the effects of pesticides on microorganisms differently.
- #14 From 50 million tonnes to 198 million tonnes were produced as food grains in 1997. This is a result of better irrigation practices, the use of agrochemicals, and enhanced seed quality. • The use of fertilisers has enhanced crop productivity in several nations. • Crops are now protected from nematodes, pests, and weeds thanks to the usage of pesticides. When pesticides go through photochemical change and produce non-toxic metabolites, they be come less dangerous (Kole et al., 1999). • Herbicides also boost the economy and the workforce.
- #15 Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW)
- #20 The widespread use of agrochemicals has significantly increased agricultural productivity but has also led to severe environmental and ecological consequences. Soil degradation, water contamination, and air pollution have disrupted ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and harming both flora and fauna. The persistent accumulation of toxic residues in soil and water threatens long-term agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, agrochemicals have disrupted non-target species, including beneficial insects, amphibians, and vertebrates, leading to declining pollinator populations and imbalances in food chains. Their role in climate change—through greenhouse gas emissions and energy-intensive production—further exacerbates global warming. While the Green Revolution successfully improved food security, its reliance on chemical inputs has created long-term challenges. A shift toward sustainable practices—such as organic farming, integrated pest management, and soil conservation techniques—is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of agrochemical dependence and ensure ecological balance in agriculture.