Global Scenario of Pesticides and Benefits from Pesticide Usage: A Review

Pesticides have contributed significantly in increasing agricultural production and the farmers’ income globally. Responsible application of pesticides play a key role in agricultural input and help to protect seeds and safeguard crops from unwanted plants, insects, bacteria, fungi and rodents. Also, pesticides can have negative environmental impacts through contamination of soil, water and non-target plants and animals that can decrease biodiversity and, in some cases, reduce crop yield. Globally, total pesticides use in agriculture remained stable in 2020, at 2.7 million tonnes (Mt) of active ingredients. The worldwide application of pesticides per area of cropland was 1.8 kg/ha. On a per capita and per value of agricultural production basis, pesticides application was 0.69 kg/1000 international dollars and 0.37 kg/person, respectively. Total pesticides trade reached approximately 7.2 Mt of formulated products in 2020, with a value of USD 41.1 billion. Pesticides have contaminated every ecosystem on the earth since pesticide residues have been reported in water, air, soil, crops and non-target plants and animals. They can also be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects etc. The chemical residues of pesticides have impacted human health through the environment and food contamination. This review provides scientific information on pesticides about global scenario of production and utilization, present status in India, benefits from usage and use and application considerations. This study recommends use of bio-pesticides by the farmers to achieve more yield from agriculture with minimum effects on ecosystem. This review paper creates awareness among students, general public and scientific community for sustainable management practices for the use of pesticides to safeguard the natural resources and human health.