Question : DAMAGE DUE TO USE OF PESTICIDES



(a) whether excessive use of pesticides have led to the growth of severe diseases in the country; and

(b) if so, the steps taken to check the indiscriminate use of such pesticides?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) & (b): The use of pesticides as per the prescribed practice should not, normally, pose any harm to human health or the environment. However, their misuse or abuse may lead to ill effects. Therefore, the following steps are being taken to check the ill effects of pesticides:


(i) Only those pesticides which are considered to be safe are registered for use by the Registration Committee.


(ii) The continued use or otherwise of those pesticides which are banned/severely restricted for use in other countries of the world due to various reasons is reviewed from time to time. Based on such reviews, the Government has already banned the use of 27 pesticides and 4 formulations of 3 other pesticides in the country and restricted the use of 7 other pesticides.


(iii) The Government is promoting the strategy of Integrated Pest Management which envisages cultural, mechanical, biological and other methods of pest control and only need based judicious use of pesticides.


(iv) Central and State Governments impart training to the users regarding safe and judicious use of pesticides.