Question : Ban on Use of Endosulfan

(a) whether it is a fact that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of USA, in its report has warned about the hazardous impact of pesticides on nature and the country must take stock of the pesticides under use and ensure that they are replaced by less hazardous products and better integrated pest management approaches;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is true that in spite of the Government’s ban on the use of Endosulfan on the basis of reports of the National Institute of Occupational Health and various other committees the hazardous endosulfan is still being used widely in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective steps taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): In this regard, the Registration Committee, constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 has not received any communication from Environment Protection Agency (EPA). However, the Registration Committee registers pesticides after considering its efficacy and safety to human beings, animals and environment. In additions, technical reviews are carried out from time to time to assess the safety of pesticides for their continued use. In addition, the Government is implementing “Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India” through 35 Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) of Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage established across the country with an aim to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. CIPMCs inter alia, produce biological agents for release in the fields, conserve natural bio-control agents, promote bio-pesticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides and advocate judicious and safe use of chemical pesticides as a last resort. These activities are implemented through Farmers Field Schools (FFSs), 2 days and 5 days training programmes and season long training program for State Agriculture Extension officers and NGOs / Private Bodies. Package of practices for control of pests and diseases in 87 crops have been revised to include techniques to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and encourage use of bio-pesticides and other alternative plant protection measures.

(c) & (d): The Supreme Court passed an ad-interim order on 13.05.2011 banning production, sale and use of Endosulfan in the country till further orders. Accordingly, the Central Government issued instructions to all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to implement the interim order of the Court in toto, which are binding on all manufacturers. The Secretariat of Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee has written to the Pesticide Associations to recall Certificates of Registration for Endosulfan. These certificates are deemed to have been treated as withdrawn in compliance of the ad-interim order passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directions.
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