Current Scenario of Biopesticides and Eco-Friendly Insect Pest Management in India

Agriculture is a major income sector in the economy of India. Insect pests cause significant damage to the agricultural production. Human population is dramatically increasing in India and as well as in the developing world. With this projection, there exists a strict need for eco‐friendly insect pest management in Indian agriculture to sustain the agricultural produce for future needs. This article highlights the present status and importance of bio‐pesticides in agricultural sector in India. Synthetic chemicals are generally used to control insect pests, which cause harmful impacts on environment and non‐target living systems including human beings. Bio‐pesticides are natural and good alternative sources. However, few numbers of bio‐pesticides or formulations are available in the market at present. Due to lack of innovative advancements in research and policies in India, biopesticides production and consumption is limited when compared to synthetic chemical pesticides. This article suggests enhancing technology oriented research and boosting biopesticides/formulations for increasing agricultural production in an eco‐friendly manner.