An initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Agriculture to prepare a SOP for the use of select pesticides in paddy crops exported. The use of such pesticides is banned in many countries.
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The Ministry of Agriculture has launched Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) as part of an initiative to use two pesticides in paddy crops. Through this initiative, efforts will be made to cultivate a good habit among farmers to reduce the use of 2 pesticides in paddy. In fact, reducing the amount of these pesticides is being said to be necessary in the rice that is exported. Now there is a demand of rice exporters to include pesticides other than these two. Currently, this list includes only pesticides such as tricyclazole and bufrophazine (Tricyclazole and Buprofezin).
The Export Inspection Agency (EIA) has detected 22 such pesticide residues in basmati and non-basmati rice. These rice were being exported to European countries. Shipment to other countries has also been investigated. Recently, the government has issued SOP for only two insecticides under one program.
Exporters say that due to the quantity of 15 pesticides, there is a problem in Indian rice exports. The government should issue an SOP in which at least the use of these pesticides can be stopped.
SOP is about safe use of pesticides
Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman of the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), said that the Ministry of Agriculture had initiated an initiative to prepare SOPs to promote safe and balanced use of pesticides such as tricyclazoles and buprophazine. Under this, APEDA is also organizing programs for farmers, under which they can use pesticides safely and balanced in the least exported rice.
Spending up to Rs 100 per quintal for rice without pesticides
Exporters say that they are working together with farmers to eliminate this problem. In this series, they are also paying more than Rs 100 per quintal to farmers for pesticide-free rice. Exporters say that SOP will be issued to the farmers for paddy cultivation only on the basis of the investigation of these pesticides. However, the Export Inspection Agency is aware of these pesticides. We feel that some other pesticides should also be included in this list.
What do these pesticides work for?
Tricyclazole is a pesticide used to prevent fungal growth on paddy leaves and flowers. The use of this formulation is banned in the European Union. Experts say that paddy plants absorb this fungicide quickly. This is the reason why these plants succeed in preventing fungi.
Buprophazine is used to protect paddy plants from insects, leaf hoppers and white flies. Also, it helps in preventing other types of pests in the paddy. Experts say that in the long term it is harmful to humans. The chemical found in it affects the liver of humans. The European Union banned its use only in 2017.
Research studies show that long-term use of these chemicals leads to weight loss. There is also a factor of diseases like eye, skin and headache.
Why do farmers use these pesticides?
Rice exporters say that such AESOPs have been in demand for a long time. In the last few years, it has also been implemented through the Pesticide Board earlier. An agricultural policy expert says that tricyclazole is used by farmers when there is moisture in the weather. Farmers have no other option but to stop the fungus.
This problem is most common in crops that are prepared in a short time. For example, the growth of new variety plants takes place in the month of July-August. During this time, there is more moisture in the weather of North India.
On the other hand, harvesting of crops is delayed due to increasing use of mechanization. In South India, farmers wait for their turn to harvest paddy. Many times this wait is for 10 to 15 days. In such a situation, the farmers want to protect the crops from any pest attack.
Also read: Important weather related news for farmers, many states may get rain in the next 24 hours
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