Identify the major non-farm uses of pesticides in India. Discuss why these uses pose higher exposure risks than agricultural applications.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

Q5. Identify the major non-farm uses of pesticides in India. Discuss why these uses pose higher exposure risks than agricultural applications. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question
Recent incidents of pesticide-related harm in domestic and public spaces have drawn attention to non-agricultural pesticide exposure as an emerging chemical safety and public health

Key Demand of the question
The question requires identification of major non-farm uses of pesticides in India and an explanation of why these uses result in higher exposure risks compared to agricultural applications, with emphasis on exposure conditions rather than governance theory.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly highlight the expansion of pesticide use beyond agriculture and the resulting shift from occupational to general population exposure.

Body

• Major non-farm uses of pesticides: Indicate key non-agricultural settings such as households, grain storage spaces, public institutions and transport systems where pesticides are commonly applied.
• Reasons for higher exposure risks: Explain how enclosed spaces, prolonged and involuntary exposure, untrained application and proximity to food and water make non-farm uses riskier than open-field agricultural use.

Conclusion
Conclude by underlining the need to address non-farm pesticide exposure as a preventive chemical safety issue to reduce avoidable health risks.