Safe biological pesticides for India and South Asia. Validated RNRRS Output.

Abstract

This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.

Associated with Projects R5540, R7004, R7299 and R6295. Small-scale farmers in India can now use environmentally benign pest management methods. New biological pesticides mean that smallholders can control crop pests but still meet international food safety standards. This is particularly important for vegetables and fruit for export. Pollution from chemical pesticides is a major concern in India. Some of the old pesticides still in use are extremely toxic. Many workers, especially in cotton-growing areas, are poisoned. Government policy encourages locally produced, low-cost biological pesticides. Already, nearly 500 private and state laboratories have taken a 2.5% share of the Indian pesticide market. This share is growing rapidly as more and more are registered.

The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (8 pp.) taken from the CD.

Citation

CPP55, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 52.

Published 1 January 2007