Effect of Pesticide Runoff on Indigenous Fish Populations in Rural India

Abstract

Pesticide runoff from agricultural landscapes poses a significant threat to freshwater biodiversity, particularly in rural India where unregulated chemical usage and poor water management practices are prevalent. This research paper investigates the effects of pesticide runoff on indigenous fish populations inhabiting rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across rural Indian regions, with a focus on states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. The study draws on recent field data, biochemical analyses, and ecotoxicological literature to assess the presence and impact of common pesticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and neonicotinoids on freshwater ecosystems. Indigenous fish species such as Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Rita rita, and Channa striata  are particularly vulnerable due to their prolonged exposure to contaminated water bodies, often located near paddy fields and sugarcane plantations. The research identifies a range of sub-lethal and chronic effects resulting from pesticide exposure, including disruptions in reproductive performance, oxidative stress, histopathological alterations in vital organs, behavioral anomalies, and genotoxicity. Seasonal fluctuations in pesticide concentration, particularly during the monsoon, exacerbate the problem by increasing pesticide loading through surface runoff. This paper further examines the socio-ecological consequences of declining fish populations on rural livelihoods, traditional fishing practices, and food security. Policy gaps, weak enforcement of pesticide regulations, and lack of public awareness are highlighted as major contributors to the ongoing degradation of freshwater biodiversity. Finally, the study proposes a multi-tiered mitigation framework involving stricter environmental monitoring, promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), adoption of eco-friendly farming practices, and community-driven conservation programs to protect India’s rich and fragile ichthyofauna.