Green chemistry is the process of thinking and utilizing existing skills and knowledge to reduce the harmful effects of pollution on the environment. During any production process, by-products are generated, which are mainly harmful, and if not appropriately utilized, they cause environmental pollution. To make the environment clean and pure green chemistry is playing a vital role. The utilization of knowledge to decrease chemical hazards with development activities is the foundation of green chemistry or sustainable chemistry. 

There is a direct and explicit nexus between sustainable agriculture and the 2030 Agenda''s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is based on positive and immediate benefits for both agriculture and environment. Agriculture has a key role in providing the renewable biomass for future chemical feedstocks and, at the same time, judicious management of the non-renewable raw materials through sustainable and smart technologies. Accordingly, the SDGs are all represented in green chemistry, which aims to reduce harmful chemicals from production to field application, food safety, improved crop production and quality, utilization, and waste reduction through a virtuous recycling process.

The agro chemical industry has been striving to educate consumers that latest crop solution chemicals are less hazardous as they are easily degradable in the environment when coupled with judicious chemical usage and good agricultural practises (GAP).

The Indian agrochemical industry is gradually adopting more environment friendly practises. Companies have begun to implement zero discharge solutions, which has yielded considerable benefits. By implementing zero discharge solutions, agrochemical businesses can recover more than 80% of water, reduce COD levels by 40 times, and TDS levels by 60 times, allowing them to comply with government regulations, save liability costs, accomplish uninterrupted production, and lower production expenses.

The red triangle products are now being replaced by the green triangle and blue triangle products. On the other hand, water-based formulations, low-dose molecules, and target specific molecules are getting acceptance in the agrochemical sector. Companies are also concentrating on training farmers on how to use pesticides properly. Some companies have also implemented reverse logistics and are taking back the unused packaging and items.

Also, application methods of agrochemicals are mostly based on dilution of the concentrated product and then spraying the solution on the crops. According to the studies, only 5% of sprayed liquid sticks to the foliage and is absorbed by the plant whereas the remaining 95% is lost. It slips away from the plants and pollutes not only the soil but the groundwater and surface water as well. The industry should focus on technologies such as improved nozzles, electrically charged liquids, formulations with Nano particles, use of drones for spray and high performance adhesives that enhance retention further lowering the use of agrochemicals, will improve productivity, reduce costs, and will keep the environment safe.

Another major area that can majorly contribute to environmental pollution is agrochemical packaging. Most of the packaging is made of plastic and product residue normally remains in the packaging even after use. This problem can be addressed by opting for alternative packaging materials such as recycled paper or biodegradable packaging alternatives.

 Emphasis is also made by the Agrochemicals Industry by advocating and working closely with the stakeholders for safer handling of pesticides while manufacturing, transporting, storing or use. Proper protection gears for the pesticides handlers are being prescribed and patronaged.

 The production activities of agrochemicals should be made sustainable in nature through the usage of renewable energy, net-zero approaches and effective waste management. There should be an encouragement of safe production practices and creating social and economic equity in the production workforce. Investment in the human capital through upskilling and training & development initiatives in sustainability, leadership and quality management can be focused upon by the industry players; this can help develop leaders and retain talent.