Beyond DDT: India’s push for eco-friendly alternatives amid global pressure

The phase-out of DDT in India has been extended to meet the ongoing demand for exports, and there is a renewed emphasis on the transition to safer biopesticides by the end of 2025. A successful and sustainable transition necessitates a coordinated strategy that integrates scientific innovation, policy reform, and inclusive stakeholder engagement, writes Dr Ankur Khare, Associate Fellow, Circular Economy and Waste Management Division, TERI.