ABSTRACT

Among the major environmental concerns in the world today, contamination of mother’s breast milk through the excessive and injudicious use of agrochemicals is a grave threat to humankind. It has occurred due to the paradigm shift in agricultural practices from conventional natural products to anthropogenic chemicals as fertilizers to sustain the food demand of a rising human population. Though chemical pesticides could contribute substantially to modern agricultural production systems, they alter the ecological balance and an unintended effect of that is irrevocable harm to humans and other species. Ensuring environmentally sound and sustainable crop production without causing detrimental effects to biodiversity, therefore, is the most significant challenge for humankind in this century. The potential of biopesticides and biofertilizers in promoting sustainable agriculture has been evidenced in recent years. The demand for organic farming products is expected to escalate globally in the near future, as they are a cost-efficient and renewable source for sustainable agriculture. Integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM) are two key driving forces for biopesticides and biofertilizers. This chapter deals with the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers to the 256environment as well as the scope and benefits of biopesticides and biofertilizers to attain food security for the growing population through enhanced quality and restoration of soil fertility for sustainable development.