Pesticides and Their Concerns

30 Dec Pesticides and Their Concerns

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Pesticides and Their Concerns”. This topic has relevance in the Agriculture section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Agriculture

Why in the news?

In Maharashtra, a region susceptible to droughts and crop failures, the menace of pesticide poisoning has resulted in numerous fatalities among farmers and agricultural laborers in recent years.

The Yavatmal district, grappling with the crisis, has witnessed the tragic demise of 20 farmers due to pesticide poisoning since 2017. Moreover, numerous individuals have endured health complications, including respiratory issues, skin rashes, eye irritation, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and instances of cancer, underscoring the severe repercussions of pesticide exposure.

Introduction:

Pesticides, whether chemical or biological substances, serve the purpose of preventing, destroying, or controlling pests, finding applications in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. However, their misuse and overuse pose significant risks to human health and the environment, necessitating a closer examination of their types, impact, and regulatory framework.

Types of Pesticides:

• Insecticides: These chemicals protect plants from insects and pests that can harm crops.
• Fungicides: Designed to control the spread of fungal diseases in plants.
• Herbicides: Chemicals that kill or control the growth of unwanted weeds in cultivated areas.
• Bio-Pesticides: Derived from biological sources, such as animals, plants, and bacteria.
• Others: This category includes plant growth regulators, nematicides, rodenticides, and fumigants.

Pesticide Poisoning:

Pesticide poisoning refers to the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on humans or animals. This phenomenon is broadly categorized into two types:

• Acute Poisoning: Results from a person ingesting, inhaling, or coming into contact with a large amount of pesticide in a short period.
• Chronic Poisoning: Occurs when an individual is exposed to low doses of pesticide over an extended period, leading to damage to various organs and systems in the body.

Recently Banned Pesticides:

In 2023, the Indian government took the decision to ban three more insecticides — Dicofol, Dinocap, and Methomyl — in addition to monocrotophos, recognizing their adverse effects on health and the environment.

Regulation in India:

Pesticides in India are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. However, there are ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the regulatory framework, as evidenced by the introduction of the Pesticide Management Bill, 2020, which aims to replace the existing legislation.

Concerns and Issues:

• Effects on Farmers: Chronic low-level pesticide exposure is associated with various nervous system symptoms, posing risks to farmers’ health.
• Consumer Impact: Pesticides can enter the food chain, affecting consumers through a process known as biomagnification.
• Agricultural Impact: The continued use of pesticides has significantly contributed to the ecological, economic, and existential crises in the Indian agriculture sector.
• Regulatory Challenges: The division of responsibilities between the central and state governments complicates the regulation of pesticide use.

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Way Forward:

• Regulatory Reforms: Strict enforcement of regulations to curb illegal sales and misuse of pesticides, along with penalties for violators.
• Government Support: Providing financial support to farmers to encourage the adoption of safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
• Community Awareness Programs: Conducting awareness campaigns at the community level to educate people about the risks associated with pesticide use.
• Compensation Mechanism: Establishing a compensation mechanism for victims of pesticide poisoning, ensuring a swift and transparent process for filing claims and receiving compensation for medical expenses and economic losses.

Balancing the benefits of pesticide use with the associated risks requires a multifaceted approach involving stringent regulations, government support, community involvement, and a robust compensation mechanism. The proposed regulatory reforms and awareness programs are crucial steps towards sustainable pesticide management in India.