Chemical use in farming and environmental health in South Asia: evidence, impacts, and policy pathways

The spread and intensity of chemicals in farming are ever-increasing, primarily driven by a policy focus addressing food security and self-sufficiency issues. This has had a profound impact on environmental health, especially in South Asia, where the intensification of chemical farming is among the highest in the world. Despite its alarming adverse impacts, chemical farming is yet to attract the deserved policy attention. This paper, based on a systematic review of research among the five selected South Asian countries, aims to enhance policy awareness about this growing threat to human and livestock health, lives, livelihoods, and the production base (soil and water). These threats continue to escalate, threatening the progress made so far in food security and self-sufficiency. Unchecked chemical intensification needs to be regulated by removing policy distortions and initiating appropriate interventions. Awareness building, ensuring access to and use of safety gear, regulating chemical supply, and strengthening extension services are critical for addressing the menace in the short to medium term. Establishing sustainable farm practices, such as precision/natural/organic farming, in a phased manner, is presented as a long-term policy objective.