Survey flags hazardous pesticide use in South Asia; Maharashtra’s Yavatmal cotton belt under spotlight
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Farm subsidies & support· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP) released a report highlighting the widespread use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) in South and Southeast Asia
Background
The PANAP report identifies that 29 out of 41 pesticides used in India are classified as highly hazardous. The study noted that nearly one-third of respondents reported using HHPs and cited unsafe practices such as re-entering sprayed fields and improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia's HHP proportion: 29 out of 41 pesticides used are classified as highly hazardous.
- BodyPesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP) is the body that released the survey.
- PlaceThe survey covered pesticide use and exposure in Bangladesh, India, Laos, and Vietnam.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the health and environmental implications of highly hazardous pesticides in Indian agriculture and suggest measures to promote agroecological alternatives.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Health risk: Chronic exposure of farmers to HHPs due to lack of PPE and unsafe field re-entry
- Regulatory gap: Difficulty in enforcing bans on illegal pesticides and monitoring chemical runoff
- Policy shift: Transitioning from chemical-intensive farming to agroecological alternatives to ensure long-term soil health
Keywords: Agroecology · Highly Hazardous Pesticides · Occupational Health · Sustainable Agriculture · Regulatory Enforcement
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.