PANAP Report Flags High Use of Hazardous Pesticides in India

Why in News

• A new report by Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP) highlights widespread pesticide use and exposure among farmers in Bangladesh, India, Laos, and Vietnam, with India recording the highest proportion of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).

About the Report

• Title: From the Ground Up: Documenting Pesticide Use in Bangladesh, India, Laos & Vietnam (2025)
• Coverage: Survey of 4,392 farmers across the four countries
• Focuses on patterns of pesticide use, exposure risks, and regulatory gaps.

Key Findings

• India leads among surveyed countries in the proportion of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) used.
• Glyphosate emerged as the most commonly reported pesticide across all four countries.
• Several pesticides in use are linked to serious health and environmental risks.

India-Specific Observations

• Yavatmal district, Maharashtra:
  • Continued use of diafenthiuron, despite its link to earlier farmer poisoning incidents.
  • Farmers primarily cultivate cotton and soybeans.
  • Both legal and illegal pesticides are reportedly used as part of crop calendars.
• Frequently reported pesticides in India include:
  • Thiamethoxam
  • Carbofuran – classified as Highly Hazardous (WHO Class Ib).

Health and Environmental Concerns

• Carbofuran falls under WHO Class Ib (highly hazardous), associated with acute toxicity.
• Persistent use of HHPs raises concerns related to:
  • Farmer health and safety
  • Environmental contamination
  • Long-term sustainability of agriculture

Significance

• Highlights the need for stricter regulation, monitoring, and phase-out of HHPs.
• Underscores the importance of farmer awareness, safer alternatives, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Reinforces policy debates around pesticide regulation and occupational health in Indian agriculture.

Source: TH