Strategies for Strengthening Biosecurity in Indian Agriculture

This chapter reviews the urgent necessity to strengthen biosecurity measures within the agricultural sector of India, taking into account the increasing threats posed by invasive pests, cross-border disease spread, climate change, and the growth of international trade. India’s agricultural sectors, including crops and livestock, are becoming more susceptible to these challenges, which calls for the establishment of thorough, science-driven, and proactive biosecurity systems. The chapter promotes integrated strategies that are vital for ensuring food security, protecting public health, and fostering environmental sustainability. The review is organized around thematic areas that are particularly pertinent to the Indian context. It commences with an analysis of risk assessment and surveillance systems, highlighting the necessity for the adoption of advanced tools such as remote sensing, molecular diagnostics, and geospatial technologies. These innovations are crucial for the early detection of threats and the formulation of effective containment strategies. A significant aspect of the chapter is the advocacy for good agricultural practices (GAP), which encompasses integrated pest management (IPM), organic soil amendments, crop rotation, and enhanced sanitary practices in animal husbandry. These practices contribute to reducing pathogen transmission, boosting biodiversity, and improving both soil and animal health. Furthermore, the review emphasizes ecological and biological control methods, including the utilization of beneficial microbes, predator species, and ecological engineering, as sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs. These approaches are particularly effective within India’s varied farming systems, where smallholder farmers depend on maintaining ecological balance for ongoing productivity. The One Health framework serves as a fundamental element of the manuscript, connecting agricultural biosecurity with the management of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It highlights the necessity of synchronizing veterinary, human, and environmental health practices to tackle AMR issues. This includes promoting responsible antimicrobial usage, advocating for proactive measures, and fostering collaboration across sectors.