Daily Current Affairs : 30-December-2023
In Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, the alarming rise in pesticide-related fatalities, with 20 farmers succumbing since 2017, has brought to light the grim reality of the risks associated with pesticide use. This crisis, with its devastating health implications, warrants a closer look, particularly in the context of agricultural practices.
Understanding Pesticides: Types, Risks, and Recent Bans
Pesticide Overview
Pesticides, essential for pest control in both agriculture and non-agricultural settings, encompass a range of chemical or biological substances.
Types of Pesticides and Associated Risks
- Insecticides: Combat insects and pests causing harm to plants.
- Fungicides: Control fungal diseases in crops.
- Herbicides: Manage weed growth in cultivation areas.
- Bio-Pesticides: Derived from biological sources like animals, plants, and bacteria.
Despite their utility, misuse, overuse, or illegal sales can lead to severe threats to human health and the environment.
Pesticide Poisoning
Referring to adverse effects on humans or animals resulting from pesticide exposure, poisoning can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute poisoning arises from substantial, rapid pesticide contact, ingestion, or inhalation, while chronic poisoning occurs with prolonged exposure to low pesticide doses, causing organ and systemic damage.
Recent Bans
In 2023, the government banned three insecticides—Dicofol, Dinocap, and Methomyl—in addition to monocrotophos due to their harmful effects.
Regulation of Pesticides in India: Insights and Concerns
Regulatory Framework
Pesticides in India are regulated by the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this framework addresses pesticide registration, manufacture, and sale.
Concerns Regarding Pesticide Use
- Health Impacts: Chronic, low-level pesticide exposure is linked to various nervous system symptoms.
- Biomagnification: Pesticides move up the food chain, posing risks to human health through biomagnification.
- Ecological and Economic Impact: Prolonged pesticide use contributes to ecological, economic, and existential challenges in Indian agriculture.
Global Disparities
While agriculture is a state subject, the central Insecticides Act, 1968, governing education and research, has led to a disparity. A notable example is the use of 104 pesticides in India being banned in two or more countries globally.
List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides
In 2021, the non-profit Pesticide Action Network (PAN) International identified over 100 approved pesticides in India as highly hazardous, raising concerns about their safety and impact.
Important Points:
- Pesticide Menace in Maharashtra
- 20 farmers in Yavatmal district have died due to pesticide poisoning since 2017.
- Health issues include respiratory problems, skin rashes, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.
- Understanding Pesticides: Types, Risks, and Recent Bans
- Types of Pesticides:
- Insecticides combat insects and pests.
- Fungicides control fungal diseases.
- Herbicides manage weed growth.
- Bio-Pesticides derived from biological sources.
- Risks and Misuse:
- Pesticides can pose threats when misused, overused, or sold illegally.
- Pesticide Poisoning:
- Adverse effects on humans or animals from pesticide exposure.
- Acute and chronic poisoning with varying symptoms and severity.
- Recent Bans:
- In 2023, the government banned Dicofol, Dinocap, Methomyl, and monocrotophos due to harmful effects.
- Types of Pesticides:
- Regulation of Pesticides in India: Insights and Concerns
- Regulatory Framework:
- Insecticides Act, 1968, and Insecticides Rules, 1971 govern pesticide use in India.
- Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Concerns Regarding Pesticide Use:
- Chronic, low-level exposure linked to nervous system symptoms.
- Biomagnification poses risks to human health.
- Ecological, economic, and existential challenges in Indian agriculture.
- Global Disparities:
- Centralized regulation leads to a disparity in pesticide use compared to global standards.
- Regulatory Framework:
- List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides
- In 2021, Pesticide Action Network (PAN) International identified over 100 approved pesticides in India as highly hazardous.
- Raises concerns about their safety and impact on health and the environment.
Why In News
In Maharashtra, particularly Yavatmal district, the prevalence of pesticide poisoning has led to the death of 20 farmers since 2017. The crisis has resulted in various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin rashes, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues, posing a severe threat to the well-being of farmers and farmworkers. Urgent intervention and comprehensive regulatory measures are crucial to address this alarming situation and safeguard the health of the agricultural community.
MCQs about Pesticide Menace in Maharashtra
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What health issues have been reported among farmers in Yavatmal district due to pesticide poisoning?
A. Cardiovascular problems
B. Respiratory problems, skin rashes, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues
C. Gastrointestinal disorders
D. Musculoskeletal issues
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Which of the following is NOT a type of pesticide ?
A. Herbicides
B. Rodenticides
C. Antibiotics
D. Insecticides
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What is biomagnification in the context of pesticide use?
A. Rapid pesticide contact leading to acute poisoning
B. The accumulation of pesticides in the food chain, posing risks to human health
C. Pesticide exposure causing skin rashes
D. The process of banning harmful pesticides
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Which regulatory body in India governs pesticides and their registration, manufacture, and sale?
A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
C. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
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