The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently imposed restrictions on the use of glyphosate, a common herbicide, due to its potential health risks for both humans and animals. These changes require companies to return all certificates of registration for the herbicide’s manufacture or sale. Failure to comply may lead to action under the Insecticides Act of 1968.
Introduction to Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a type of herbicide, first developed in 1970. An herbicide is an agent, usually chemical-based, designed for controlling unwanted plant growth such as weeds and invasive species. Under the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature, its scientific name is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine.
Glyphosate is typically applied to plant leaves to kill them. Over the past two decades, it has gained popularity among tea planters in India and has become a major product in the tea sector of West Bengal and Assam. Currently, Maharashtra consumes the most glyphosate as it is frequently used in sugarcane, maize, and various fruit crops.
The Risks Associated with Glyphosate
There are numerous health concerns connected with glyphosate. These include cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Symptoms of glyphosate exposure can range from skin irritation, swelling, and burning, to oral and nasal discomfort, unpleasant taste, and blurred vision. Consequently, 35 countries, including Sri Lanka, Netherlands, France, Colombia, Canada, Israel, and Argentina, have either banned or restricted its use.
Illegal Use of Glyphosate in India
In India, the approved use of glyphosate is limited to tea plantations and non-plantation areas associated with tea crops. Its use anywhere else is illegal. Nevertheless, a 2020 study by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India indicated that glyphosate was being utilized in over 20 crop fields. The majority of those using this weed killer were untrained and lacked the necessary safety precautions.
Impacts on the Agro-Ecological Nature of Farms
The extensive use of glyphosate in non-designated areas can have serious repercussions. If the use of glyphosate continues unchecked, it could lead to the widespread use of illegal herbicide tolerant crops. This poses a threat to the agro-ecological nature of Indian farms and may extend toxic effects to people, animals, and the surrounding environment.
Concerns Over Other Agricultural Chemicals
In the context of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates have been asked about the use of chemicals like carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos in agriculture. As with glyphosate, concerns have been raised about these chemicals, used primarily as pesticides in agriculture. To promote organic farming, the Department of Agriculture in Kerala had banned the use of approximately 17 pesticides since 2011.
Complete List of Banned Pesticides
This list includes insecticides such as Cabofuran, Methyl Demeton, Methyl Parathion, Monocrotophos, Phorate, Methymol, Prophenofos, Triazophos, Endosulfan; fungicides like MEMC, Ediphenphos, Tricyclazole, Oxythioquinox; and weedicides such as Anilophos, Paraquat, Thiobencarb, and Atrazine. These restrictions reflect a commitment to safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
