Representational Image: PTI
Malappuram: The easy access and availability of pesticides pose an alarming situation in the state. The small-scale farmers and those who cultivate vegetables for household purposes are purchasing the pesticides without any prescription from both market and e-commerce platforms.
According to the government order in 2011, severe restrictions were imposed on the use of pesticides and guidelines were displayed in depots. The agriculture officers were entrusted to examine the proper execution of it within a definite interval.
The prescription given by agricultural officers is mandatory to buy pesticides with acute toxicity, which have been placed under the red and yellow categories. However, consumers purchase these pesticides without any prescriptions from certain depots. The situation may not be brought under control even after regulating the depot services as these pesticides are easily available via online stores. It is observed that the absence of facilities to keep a check on the number of pesticides supplied and used also triggers issues.
Rules to purchase pesticides
- Pesticides should be bought only with the prescription of an agricultural officer
- The prescription must carry details including the name of the crop, disease, pesticide and its prescribed quantity
- The depots should distribute pesticides only as per the prescription and record the details of purchase
- The agricultural officers are entrusted with the charge of regular examination. They can access the registers in the depots
Unscientific use of pesticides causes:
- Adverse effect on soil and water
- Harmful to crops
- Increase in the number of pests which can resist the pesticides administered on crops
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=4cbb84f&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.png?$p=f2212e3&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.jpg?$p=a80322e&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
