Explanation:

The state of Punjab is one of the highest user of chemical pesticides especially after the ushering in of green revolution. Pesticide consumption in India has increased from 2353 MT in 1955 to 40672 MT in 2005 (Source: Directorate of Plant Protection and Quarantine, Government of India,
2005). In Punjab this has increased from 3200 Metric tons (MT) in 1980-81 to 7300 MT in 1994-95 but came down to 5970 MT in the year 2005-06. Currently, the state consumes about 17 percent of total pesticides used in India. Out of these, more than 90 per cent of the pesticide are being used in the cultivation of cotton, rice and vegetables (Source: Singh, 2002). The Malwa region(cotton belt) accounts for nearly 75 percent of pesticides used in the state. The decrease in pesticide consumption since 2003-04, can be attributed to the introduction of Bt cotton in the state (which requires lesser number of sprays) as well as, better awareness among farmers as state government is now promoting biopesticides (Department of Agriculture, Government of Punjab).