(a) whether India has a high rate of consumption of pesticides;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the percentage of consumption as compared to the total domestic production and the most commonly used pesticides in the country;
(c) whether the pesticide residues in Indian crops is higher compared to the levels found world wide;
(d) if so, the details thereof and remedial measures being taken in this regard including steps to reduce the use of pesticides in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY
OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. Consumption of pesticides in India estimated at 280 gram
per hectare is less than 1.5 to 3.0 kg per hectare in USA and Europe and 10 to 12 kg per
hectare in Japan. Consumption of pesticides in the country during 2007-08 was 43,630
metric tonnes which was 54.70% of domestic production of 79,756 metric tonnes. Some
of the most commonly used pesticides in the country are Sulphur, Endosulfan and
Phorate.
(c) & (d): No, Madam. As per available data, 8.6% samples of various commodities
analyzed during 2007-08 in India showed presence of pesticide residues as against 31%
samples with pesticide residues in USA (2003) and 41% samples with pesticide residues
in the European Union (2006). Government of India is promoting Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) through Farmers’ Field Schools focusing on safe, judicious and
need based use of approved pesticides and other pest management practices.