Intensive use of Agrochemicals in agri.pptx

Intensive use of Agrochemicals in Agriculture

1. Intensive use of Agrochemicals and their effect on plant, soil and animals 1 Muskan (24-P-FP-01)

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3. What are Agrochemicals? Agrochemicals are 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. 3

4. Classification of Agrochemicals Agrochemicals are broadly categorized based on their purpose and chemical nature. 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 ). Herbicides Examples: Methyl Bromide, Ethylene Bromide, Chloropicrin, Aldirab (Propylene oxide and dazomet). 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) 4

5. History of Agrochemicals Pre-Green Revolution Era (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 R evolution (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. 5

6. Pesticide usage and market 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%. 6

7. Fertilizer Statistics in India 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+P 2 O 5 +K 2 O) 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. 7

8. Source: FAI 8

9. 9 Source: Annual Review of Fertilizer Production and Consumption 2023-24, Indian Journal of Fertilisers

10. A schematic illustration summarizing 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 10

11. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that three million people in poor countries have suffered from pesticide poisoning. Source: PAN International 11

12. Environmental problems associated with 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 NO x 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 12

13. Persistence Half-Life Herbicides Insecticides 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 (Pentachloronitrobenzene) Persistence of a few selected pesticides in soil: 13

14. Benefits 14

15. Source: DA&FW 15

16. Constraints and demerits According to 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 16

17. 17 Constraints and demerits

18. 18 Source : Katina  Chachei 2024 Fig. 1 a) Share of GHG emissions in India by sectors (%) b ) Share of GHG emissions from agricultural sub-sector (%)

19. Future Thrust 19

20. Conclusion Agrochemicals, while effective for 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. 20

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