BIOPESTICIDES UTILIZATION SCENARIO IN INDIA: RECENT TRENDS IN BIOPESTICIDES IMPLEMENTED STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE

The global horticultural sector is currently at a pivotal point, driven by the dual challenges of climate induced pest resurgence and the stringent regulatory laws to eliminate synthetic chemical residue. Although India contributes significantly to the global fruit and vegetable production, its shift towards biological control strategies present an inconsistent and fragmented implementation. As the global horticulture transition towards sustainable intensification, biopesticides have emerged as prime alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. Currently, Indian biopesticides market is undergoing enormous expansion, expected to exceed USD 285 million by 2026. This review examines biopesticides utilization within Indian horticulture system, sector crucial to country’s nutritional and economic security. Despite having rich history of botanical pest controlling practices, Indian transition towards widespread implementation of biopesticides encounter several challenges, such as inconsistent field efficiency, regulatory complexities, and insufficient knowledge among farmers. In contrast the global arena is shifting towards transformative cutting edge technologies. This review consolidates the global breakthroughs including RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticides, nanoencapsulation delivery systems, and CRISPR-based biocontrol tactics, assessing their potential for incorporation into Indian horticultural practices. This review emphasize the connection between indigenous knowledge and global technical advancement, offering a strategic framework to improve dependability and scalability of biopesticides. Ultimately, it promotes a contemporary Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy to residue free horticultural output.