History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s4.20

v1.c24.s4.20

The extent to which pesticides were used to protect crops is only to be speculated. We do have evidence for measures to protect crops from wild animals and birds, but we do not have any specific reference to the use of pesticides. It is significant that the Kṛṣi-Parāśara, which relates to agricultural practice, does not refer to pesticides. For warding off the menance of diseases, insects and malicious animals (vyādhīkiṭahiṃsra) it refers to the magico-religious rite of tying in the midst of the crops a leaf with a mantra written on it (verse 195). It is only in reference to trees and plants that the protective measures and pesticides are detailed in the ancient texts. It will remain debatable if the ordinary cultivator could afford the costly recipes meant for the well-to-do owners of gardens and orchards.