Ways to tackle spurious pesticide menace discussed
Our Correspondent
Doraha, June 2
President of Borlaug Farmers’ Association for South Asia and Chairman of United Farmer Empowerment Initiative, PPS Pangli, presided over the FICCI sub-committee meeting on crop protection at Delhi recently.
He deliberated upon the expectations of farmers from pesticide industry. He said agrochemicals industry should contribute from 18% GST drawback to crop insurance premiums on the patterns of IFFCO and NFL. Innovative farmers’ awards were suggested by Pangli, which were readily accepted by the committee.
It was further urged that the scientific community should rise up to the challenge of developing agrochemicals to increase the yield without affecting the environment in the least. It also urged the experts to train farmers to apply appropriate amount of agrochemicals to decrease crop failure. They shared that agrochemicals play a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity and that the evergreen revolution was possible only if farmers could comprehend the right use of agrochemicals and their impact on the produce, which can eventually lead to higher productivity.
Dr JC Majumdar, Scientific Advisor, Crop Care Federation, deliberated upon the strategy for creating positive perception of crop-protection chemicals. The strategy to counter the menace of spurious pesticides was also discussed. Safer and judicious use of crop protection chemicals and application of Green Chemistry was stressed upon. The correct dosage of pesticides and with appropriate application methodology can usher in an era of growth for the agricultural sector in India, experts said.
The committee was of the view that 40% of the world crop output was lost due to the attack of pests, weeds and diseases. To minimise these losses and to enhance yield, it was essential to use crop protection chemicals responsibly. A holistic approach that delivers sustainable productivity was needed in agriculture, they said.
