Discuss the role of international agreements, such as the UN's biodiversity pact, in shaping national pesticide policies. How can India align its agricultural policies with global

Introduction

International agreements such as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) significantly influence national environmental and agricultural policies. They create normative standards and measurable targets that guide countries in regulating pesticide use to protect ecosystems.

Role of International Agreements

First, global biodiversity pacts set clear reduction targets. Target 7 of the GBF calls for reducing overall pesticide risk by at least 50% by 2030. This pushes nations to reassess pesticide approval, usage patterns, and monitoring systems.

Second, they promote the precautionary principle and ecosystem-based approaches, encouraging countries to regulate harmful agrochemicals that affect pollinators, soil microbes, and aquatic biodiversity.

Third, agreements foster policy harmonisation and reporting mechanisms, increasing transparency and peer accountability. Countries must submit National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs), aligning domestic policies with global commitments.

Finally, they facilitate financial and technological cooperation, supporting transitions to sustainable agricultural practices.

Aligning India’s Agricultural Policies

India can align its policies with global biodiversity goals through:

1. Promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and natural farming models such as Zero Budget Natural Farming to reduce chemical dependency.
2. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, including periodic review of hazardous pesticides and stricter residue monitoring.
3. Incentivising bio-pesticides and agro-ecological practices through subsidies and research support.
4. Enhancing farmer awareness and extension services for sustainable crop protection.
5. Integrating biodiversity concerns into schemes like PM-KISAN and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Conclusion

International biodiversity agreements act as catalysts for reforming pesticide governance. By embedding biodiversity conservation within agricultural policy, India can balance food security with ecological sustainability, contributing meaningfully to global environmental goals.