Agro-terrorism and its prospective economic impact on India: A review

Abstract

Agro-terrorism the deliberate introduction of pathogens, pests, or contaminants into agricultural systems poses a significant risk to food security, public health, and economic stability. In India, where agriculture contributes approximately 17–18% of GDP and employs over 50% of the workforce, the threat of agro-terrorism can have profound ramifications for national welfare. This review examines agro-terrorism in a global context, identifies vulnerabilities specific to the Indian agricultural sector, and analyzes recent case studies including the 2025 Chinese attempt to smuggle Fusarium graminearum into the United States as illustrative examples of agro-terror tactics. Drawing upon historical examples such as the Irish Potato Famine and the 2016 Bangladesh wheat blast outbreak, the paper assesses potential short and long-term economic impacts on India, from crop losses and price inflation to trade disruptions and rural livelihood destabilization. It further evaluates India’s existing policy and institutional frameworks such as the Plant Quarantine Order (2003) and proposed National Biosecurity Bill highlighting gaps in detection, rapid response, and inter-agency coordination. Finally, the review provides comprehensive recommendations for strengthening bio-surveillance, enhancing border security, integrating public-private partnerships, and investing in resilient agri-biological defenses. The analysis underscores that without proactive, multi-sectoral approaches, India remains susceptible to high-consequence agro-terror events with cascading economic effects.