(a) whether the Department of Science & Technology funded a book `Alternatives to Pesticides in Tropical countries`;
(b) whether this book examines the situation world wide and pinpoints safer alternatives towards total elimination of pesticides;
(c) if so, whether the Government propose to use this publication for training of the staff and students in environment and health issues and consider its translation in regional languages; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)
(a) Yes, Sir
(b) The book addresses issues of sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, technologies for reducing dependence on chemical pesticides, etc.
(c) & (d) The book has not been written as a training manual, however, it can be used for reference purposes in agricultural training and extension centers. Although there are no immediate plans for bringing out this book in regional languages, the suggestion has been taken due note of.