ABSTRACT
India has a long coastline with an exclusive economic zone stretching out to 200 nautical miles offshore. Pesticides are used for agricultural and public health purposes and for nearly four decades after their introduction in India, OC pesticides dominated the scene. Large portions of applied pesticide are dissipated at the site of application through chemical and biological degradation processes. However, a fraction of the OCs reach the marine environment through canals, estuaries, and through a network of river systems. Because OCs are known for their persistence, toxicity, and bio-accumulation characteristics, there is concern about their impact on the marine environment. Recently efforts have been made to substitute other classes of pesticides for these environmentally damaging compounds. Although pesticide consumption is low in India compared to other developed countries, the indiscriminate use of these pesticides has resulted in sporadic observations of residues in food and the environment. After presenting an overview of Indian topography, geology, climate, land use, and principal crops grown, this review chapter examines pesticide use and distribution, the environmental impact of pesticides, and the legislative management of pesticides in India.
