(a) whether certain studies have revealed that some of the internationally banned toxic pesticides/insecticides are being used in the farm sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereon;
(c) whether norms prescribed for the use of pesticides are being violated in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective measures taken by the Government to curb such use?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.196 DUE
FOR REPLY ON 23-11-2010.
(a) & (b): Recent reports in the media have referred to release of a study by a consumer
awareness organization that vegetables available in the market contain banned pesticides.
Analysis of samples of agricultural commodities, including vegetables, collected for detection
of pesticide residues under the central sector scheme of `Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at
National Level` does not indicate use of any pesticide banned under the Insecticides Act, 1968,
in farming sector. There are 67 pesticides allowed for use in India which have been either
banned or severely restricted by some countries.
(c) to (e): The Central and State Governments organize training programmes on safe and
judicious use of pesticides to educate the farmers and to create awareness about ill-effects
of misuse of pesticides. The Government is popularizing the strategy of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) through a central sector scheme `Strengthening and Modernization of Post
Management Approach in India` which includes cultural, mechanical, biological and other
methods of pest control and emphasizes safe and judicious use of pesticides. However,
at times, due to lack of awareness, farmers fail to adhere to the dosage/crops or other
stipulation for the pesticide use.