ADVERSE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES USED IN VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

(Images courtesy - The Health Site .com,  Dreamstime.com & World Atlas)

There are over 1000 types of pesticides used world wide to preserve agricultural produces. When they safeguard the agriculture all over the world by destroying wide varieties of pesticides, over 800 millions or over 40% farmers all over the world are reported to have poisoned by these pesticides. There are 241 pesticides and 41 combinations are used in India.  70% of these are creating health hazards to those who are consuming these vegetable and fruits.

There are most comprehensive explanations for the adverse effects of pesticides in Kaseragod district of Kerala. Use of of endosulfan in cashew plantations, tea gardens, paddy fields , fruit orchards in Kaseragod caused widespread distruction in the reagion. According to Health and Family Welfare department of Government of Kerala there were 778 deaths and 6721  people had severe health problems as on 2019. Unfortunately these damages were extended to the next generation too.

Despite these large damages caused by pesticides in our country no governments have taken adequate corrective measures to prevent recurrence of loss of lives and health problems. There are about 64 major agricultural research institutes in India. Despite having adequate resources including great scientists no effort, it appears, have been made to introduce pesticides fully harmless for humans. Let us take necessary steps to conduct extensive research to produce pesticides that are destructive to pests and at the same time should be perfectly safe for human beings as well as agricultural products. We may also look for herbal products as pesticides for wide use  in vegetable fields and fruits gardens. Our researchers may concentrate on these areas too. If effective herbal products could be introduced, these may have large demands from other countries too. There is no meaning in talking through loudspeakers that India is a developed country unless we keep proper attention to the health issues of the people.

K V George 

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