Agricultural

It is estimated that almost 25 percent of the pesticide, seeds and fertilizer market in India is counterfeit or illegal. Given Indian farmers spend $125 million on pesticides every year, a significant figure is likely spent on illegal products that undermine stewardship efforts across the country. According to a report from the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the use of ineffectual, illegal products leads to the loss of 10.6 million tons of food per year. Meanwhile, exporters fear the use of counterfeits will threaten India’s position as one of the world’s leading grain exporters – worth $26 billion a year – due to traces of illegal products found on shipments.

 

In the Indian state of Punjab, the problems with counterfeit pesticides are taking a toll not only on the food supply, but also on farmers’ confidence. When a farmer purchases a crop protection product or seed for their field, they expect it to work. If the products fail, farmers lose their investment and waste their money. In 2017, the Times of India reported that 60 percent of the Punjab cotton crop was lost due to the use of illegal, ineffective pesticides.