Biopesticides: the Revolution on Earth

An eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides are biopesticides, which encompasses a broad array of microbial pesticides, biochemicals derived from micro-organisms and other natural sources, and processes involving the genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities that confer protection against pest damage. The interest in biopesticides is based on the disadvantages associated with chemical pesticides are discussed. The total world production of biopesticides is over 3,000 tons/yr, which is increasing at a rapid rate. India has a vast potential for biopesticides. However, its adoption by farmers in India needs education for maximizing gains. The market share of biopesticides is only 2.5% of the total pesticide market. The stress on organic farming and on residue free commodities would certainly warrant increased adoption of biopesticides by the farmers. Biopesticides being target pest specific are presumed to be relatively safe to non-target organism including humans.