Current Status of Pesticides in China:What is the current status of pesticide use in China as of 2026?
Q: What is the current status of pesticide use in China as of 2026?
A: As of 2026, China's pesticide use has continued to decline, with total usage dropping to approximately 1.2 million tons of active ingredients, down about 15% from 2020 levels, according to the 2026 Report on National Agricultural Green Development issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). The report highlights that high-efficiency, low-risk pesticides now account for over 60% of the market, up from 45% in 2020. The government's Zero Growth Action Plan for Pesticide Use, launched in 2015, has been extended and strengthened under the 14th Five-Year Plan. Key drivers include integrated pest management (IPM), biological pesticides, and precision application technologies. However, challenges remain in monitoring illegal pesticide residues and ensuring compliance among smallholder farmers. Overall, China is transitioning toward a more sustainable pesticide regime.
Q: What are the main policy measures controlling pesticide use in China in 2026?
A: In 2026, China enforces a suite of policy measures to control pesticide use, as outlined in the 2026 MARA Work Plan on Pesticide Reduction and the updated Pesticide Management Regulations. These include: (1) strict registration and licensing for all pesticides, with a focus on phasing out highly toxic varieties; (2) mandatory residue testing for agricultural exports and domestic markets; (3) subsidies for biological pesticides and IPM training; (4) real-name purchasing systems for restricted pesticides; and (5) penalties for illegal use. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment's 2026 Water Pollution Prevention Report notes that pesticide runoff into major rivers has decreased by 20% since 2020. Additionally, the National People's Congress passed an amendment in 2025 to strengthen liability for pesticide-related health and environmental harm, effective January 2026. These measures aim to balance food security with ecological safety.
Q: What are the key challenges in pesticide management in China for 2026?
A: Despite progress, China faces several challenges in pesticide management in 2026, according to the 2026 China Pesticide Industry Development Report by the China Crop Protection Industry Association. First, enforcement gaps persist in remote rural areas, where smallholder farmers may still use banned or excessive pesticides. Second, monitoring and testing infrastructure is uneven, limiting real-time detection of residues. Third, climate change has altered pest patterns, increasing pressure to use pesticides. Fourth, the transition to green pesticides is hindered by higher costs and limited availability. Fifth, illegal online sales of unregistered pesticides remain a concern. The report calls for stronger digital traceability systems, farmer education, and international cooperation. In response, MARA launched a 2026 pilot program in 10 provinces to integrate blockchain-based tracking from production to consumption, aiming to reduce counterfeit and illegal pesticides by 30% by 2028.
Q: How is China promoting biological pesticides in 2026?
A: By 2026, China has significantly expanded its promotion of biological pesticides as part of its green agricultural strategy. The 2026 MARA Annual Report on Green Pest Control indicates that biological pesticide use reached 250,000 tons in 2025, representing 20% of total pesticide consumption, a 50% increase from 2022. Key initiatives include: subsidy programs covering up to 40% of the cost for farmers adopting biopesticides; a national network of 500 demonstration farms showcasing bio-control methods; and accelerated registration for microbial and plant-derived pesticides. The Ministry of Finance allocated 5 billion RMB in 2026 for eco-friendly pest management. Additionally, the China National Center for Biotechnology Development reported breakthroughs in RNAi-based biopesticides. However, adoption is still concentrated in high-value crops like fruits and vegetables. The report projects that biopesticides could reach 30% of the market by 2030 if current trends continue.
Dialogue about
Common scenarios of "Current Status of Pesticides in China"
【主持人】 各位观众好，欢迎收看今天的《农业观察》节目。今天我们讨论的主题是“中国农药的现状”。我们邀请到了农药学专家李教授和绿色农业倡导者王女士。首先，请李教授简要介绍一下中国农药的整体使用情况。
【李教授】 谢谢主持人。中国是全球最大的农药生产国和消费国之一。据统计，每年农药使用量在30万吨左右（折百量），但近年来随着绿色防控和减量增效政策的推进，使用量呈现下降趋势。不过，单位面积用量仍高于世界平均水平。
【王女士】 我补充一点，虽然总量在下降，但农药的滥用和过量使用问题在部分地区依然严重。尤其是一些经济作物区，农民为了保产，往往超量施药，导致农残超标和环境污染。
【主持人】 那么，目前中国农药使用中存在的主要问题有哪些？
【李教授】 主要有几个方面：一是农药品种结构不合理，杀虫剂占比过高，而高效低毒的除草剂和杀菌剂比例偏低；二是施药技术落后，很多地方还是人工背负式喷雾，利用率低，浪费严重；三是农民缺乏科学用药知识，随意混配、加大剂量。
【王女士】 还有监管问题。虽然国家出台了农药管理条例，但在基层执行不到位，一些高毒农药仍在偷偷销售和使用。另外，农药包装废弃物回收体系不健全，造成二次污染。
【主持人】 针对这些问题，国家采取了哪些措施？
【李教授】 近年来，农业农村部实施了农药使用量零增长行动，推广绿色防控、统防统治和精准施药。还淘汰了多种高毒农药，比如甲胺磷、对硫磷等。2020年施行的《农药管理条例》也强化了全链条管理。
【王女士】 对，但政策落地需要时间。我走访过一些农村，发现很多农民还是凭经验打药，生物农药和高效药械价格高，他们不愿意用。所以需要更多补贴和技术培训。
【主持人】 那么，农药减量增效的成效如何？
【李教授】 从数据看，三大粮食作物农药利用率已从2015年的36.6%提高到2020年的40.6%，农药使用量连续几年负增长。但和发达国家相比，还有提升空间。
【王女士】 不过要注意，减量不能只盯着数量，还要看毒性和风险。有些地方用低毒农药替代高毒，但用量没减，环境风险依然存在。应该综合评估生态影响。
【主持人】 消费者很关心农药残留问题，目前中国农产品的农残合格率如何？
【李教授】 根据国家农产品质量安全例行监测，近几年主要农产品监测合格率稳定在97%以上，2022年达到97.6%。说明整体是安全的，但个别品种和地区仍有超标现象。
【王女士】 合格率高不代表没有隐患。一些散户种植的蔬菜、水果，因为缺乏监管，农残超标风险较高。消费者最好选择正规渠道购买，并注意清洗。
【主持人】 未来中国农药的发展方向是什么？
【李教授】 方向是绿色、高效、低风险。包括发展生物农药、推广精准施药技术、培育抗病虫品种、以及智慧农业中的无人机变量施药。同时，加强农药登记和风险评估，逐步淘汰高风险品种。
【王女士】 我认为还要从源头减少化学农药依赖，大力推广生态农业、有机农业和IPM（病虫害综合治理）。这需要政策、市场、消费者共同推动。
【主持人】 最后，请两位用一句话总结中国农药的现状。
【李教授】 中国农药正处在从数量扩张向质量提升转型的关键期，成绩显著但挑战仍存。
【王女士】 农药不是洪水猛兽，但必须科学使用、严格监管，才能真正实现农业绿色发展和食品安全。
