Antibiotics have been used in agriculture since the 1950s to control bacterial diseases in high-value crops, with over 39 countries adopting this practice. In India, growing misuse and overuse of antibiotics in agriculture raise concerns due to potential public health risks, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This technical brief explores antibiotic use in India's agriculture, examining types used, regulatory gaps, and impacts on health and the environment. It also compares usage across agriculture sectors and offers recommendations to curb misuse and mitigate AMR. The aim is to inform policy and promote responsible antibiotic use in Indian agriculture.
| Authors | |
| Geographic coverage | India |
| Originally published | 08 Jan 2026 |
| Related organisation(s) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| Knowledge service | Metadata | Global Food and Nutrition Security | Food crises and food and nutrition security |
| Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET) | livestockcrop productionantimicrobial resistanceImpact AssessmentregulationEnvironmentpublic healthaquaculture |