Write briefly on the types and uses of biopesticides.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Biopesticides are microbial (Bacillus thuringiensis, nuclear polyhedrosis virus, fungi), botanical (neem-based products) or beneficial organisms such as nematodes and predatory insects. They control pests, plant diseases and weeds in crops and aquaculture within integrated pest management, and Indian sales are growing 10-25% a year.

**Introduction**

Biopesticides are sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides, crucial for environmental health and agriculture in India, supported by policies like BioE3 and schemes such as Bio-RIDE. They address concerns over chemical residues, pest resistance, and ecological damage, aligning with India’s goals for eco-friendly farming and bioeconomy growth.

**Regulatory and Institutional Support**

SKETCH: tree | Biopesticide Institutional Framework  
- Central Regulation  
  - CIB&RC  
  - Insecticides Act, 1968  
- Policy Support  
  - BioE3 Policy⟦1⟧  
  - Bio-RIDE Scheme  
- State Implementation  
  - Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Dept.  
  - Local Research Institutes

1. **Central Regulation**: The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee oversees biopesticide registration under the Insecticides Act, 1968, ensuring product safety and efficacy. This regulatory framework maintains quality standards and farmer confidence.  
2. **Policy Initiatives**: The BioE3 Policy (2024) and Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development⟦2⟧ (Bio-RIDE) scheme provide funding and institutional support to boost biopesticide R&D and commercialization. ==Andhra Pradesh’s Department of Agriculture actively promotes biopesticides in horticulture and aquaculture, integrating them into state-level Integrated Pest Management programs.==

**Types and Uses**

1. **Microbial and Botanical Biopesticides**: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products account for 92% of biopesticide sales; neem-based botanical pesticides are widely used in ==Andhra Pradesh’s horticulture== for pest control. Beneficial organisms like predatory insects also contribute to pest suppression.

**Challenges and Way Forward**

1. **Adoption Barriers**: Limited shelf life, specificity, and production scale-up hinder widespread use. Compatibility issues with chemical pesticides also pose challenges for integration into farming practices.  
2. **Market Trends and Future Steps**: Despite challenges, biopesticide sales grow 10-25% annually; increased R&D investment under Bio-RIDE and programs like Emerging Frontiers in Biotechnology (EFB) are needed to develop broader-spectrum, cost-effective products with longer shelf life and better farmer accessibility.

**Conclusion**

With robust policy backing and innovation, biopesticides can drive sustainable agriculture and strengthen India’s bioeconomy. Their expanded adoption will reduce chemical pesticide dependency and promote environmental health.

Write briefly on the types and uses of biopesticides.

Model answer

Practise this question

Human diseases; genetic engineering basics; biotechnology in agriculture; vaccines54 questions

Ghissu