The Centre for Environment Education is concerned with bringing innovative strategies to the attention of policymakers and the general public as part of its effort to prioritise the need for environmentally sound decisions. The E&D Book Series provides access to alternative viewpoints backed by analysis and information from development theorists and practitioners. As an allied activity, E&D books seek to disseminate the ideas from the books in an easy-to-read style with simplified concepts, case studies and guidelines for NGOs and developmental practitioners in the field. While the books present paradigms in their entirety, the books identify and present practical steps for the benefit of those who wish to work with the ideas at the policy or practical level.

This book deals with the ill effects of the use of pesticides, which has become rampant all over the world. The fact that these chemicals have now entered ecosystems and the food chain itself is alarming because of the range of dangerous ill effects they have on humans, animals, plants and the ecosystem in general.

It is interesting to note that pesticide consumption in India is among the lowest in the world. But, as the author points out, this is no excuse for complacency, given the fact that the widespread illiteracy among farmers, the unscrupulous trading and manufacturing practices and the lack of legal constraints make the situation very dangerous.

Among the issues that this book discusses in detail are the types of pesticides, their ill effects, the market realities that govern the use of pesticides, policy issues, and the consumption scenario in India and the world.