Pesticide Pollution in Punjab: A Review

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tiwana, N.S. | Jerath, Neelima | Singh, Gurharminder | Singh, Ravleen

Affiliations: Punjab State Council for Science & Technology MGSIPA Complex Sector 26, Post Box 727, Chandigarh-160019, India

Note: [] Corresponding Author. neelimakj@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: The use of chemical pesticides in the country has increased by more than seventeen times since 1955. The state of Punjab is one of the highest user of these pesticides especially after the ushering in of green revolution. Though the state has only 1.5% landmass of the country, it consumes about 17% of pesticides used in India. The per hectare pesticide use is highest in Punjab (923 g/ha) as compared to other agriculturally advanced states like Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujrat. Although the use of pesticides has helped to enhanced economic gains through crop protection yet they have had serious implications to human health and non-target plants and animals by accumulating in food and water. The present paper reviews various studies carried out in Punjab on the pesticide residues found in different food items (like wheat flour, human milk, vegetables, etc.) and their effect on human health.

Keywords: Pesticides, residues, DDT, BHC/HCH, agriculture

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 89-96, 2009