Agrochemicals and human well-being: A review in context of Indian agriculture

Abstract

Modern chemicals, in form of fertilizers and pesticides, have undoubtedly increased the food production worldwide. Over use of chemical application and its effect on environment and human health could not be neglected any further. Residual effect of agrochemicals could be seen in both the terrestrial life and marine life. Future food demand must be achieved with better quality food, along with use of less toxic chemicals. Alternate practices like introduction of GMOs, precision agriculture and IPM must be put into practice, to lessen the load of chemical use. This review evinces the health hazards caused due to misuse and over use of agrochemicals and also talks about the contributing factors, of which poor education and extension system plays pivotal role. Improving the literacy among the farmers, strengthening the extension, training and involvement of media could provide scope for reducing vulnerability of farmers to health related issues caused by prolong exposure to the toxic chemicals.

The Application of a Plant Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract Improved Tomato Fruit Development and Quality

“…However, in the last century, the use of these products massively increased worldwide, resulting not only in a well-awaited intensification of food production, but also in serious environmental contaminations [ 2 , 4 ]. In addition, scientific evidence suggests that the use of agrochemicals may affect crop quality, in terms of sensorial, nutritional, and nutraceutical traits [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], and is also a potential risk for human health [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Food safety is nowadays a primary concern for the vast majority of consumers [ 2 , 4 ], and in particular they are worried about chemical hazards, especially those perceived to be invisible and having long term effects or serious health implications [ 5 , 6 ]. For this reason, together with consumer awareness toward the benefits of food intake with high nutritional and nutraceutical properties [ 7 , 8 ], consumers’ preference for organic foods grown in an eco-sustainable way is also rising because they are perceived to be safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly [ 9 ].…”

Dynamics of pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) immigration and colonization of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Europe

“…4,5 These precision interventions could mitigate the overuse of pesticides. 5,6 Most insect populations exhibit spatial aggregation at some point in their life cycle. 7 This behavior is often driven by resource availability, microclimates, and reproduction.…”

“…Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamics of pest immigration into crops enables early detection and timely mitigation and therefore allows for the precise timing and spacing of necessary control management practices 4,5 . These precision interventions could mitigate the overuse of pesticides 5,6 …”

Changes in the Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Prunus persica Fruits after the Application of a Commercial Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract

“…These practices result in improved production, both from a quantitative and qualitative point of view [ 15 ]. However, the European Union is now increasingly attempting to discourage the excessive use of agrochemicals and fertilizers in agriculture, as they are considered harmful to the environment and human health [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”