AgroPages-India: government urged to interfere with pesticide retail sales-Agricultural news

Manufacturers and retailers of pesticides are virtually dictating terms when it comes to pest management in Kerala (India), despite the State’s agriculture sector making significant strides in organic farming.

As much as 40 per cent of the 1,908 pesticide retail outlets in the State are run by cooperative societies, while the remaining 60 per cent are run by private entities. They together decide as to which chemical has to be used in farms during pest and disease outbreaks.

Findings of a ‘supply side analysis of the State’s pesticide market’ conducted by Dr P Indira Devi, head of the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Economics at the Kerala Agricultural University, showed that only 24 per cent of the retailers complied with a directive to submit reports of the stock and sales of pesticides to the pesticide inspector and the Agricultural Department regularly. Interestingly, one per cent of the retailers who took part in the survey had not furnished the report not even once after starting business.

It was also found that three per cent of all the pesticide retailers in the State were operating without licence. Surprisingly, some of them have been doing business for several years, and their licences were renewed regularly by the authorities without any verification or inspection.

Speaking to ‘Express,’ an executive member of the Pesticide and Fertilizer Dealers Association, who did not wish to be named, said that various formulations of banned pesticides that come under the ‘yellow’ category, such as Paraquat, were being sold through the retail outlets, despite the State Government prohibiting their use. According to him, the total turnover of the pesticide industry in the State is 92-100 crore.

Sajithkumar, owner of Xylem Agrotech Pvt Ltd in Kochi, told ‘Express’ that only the small and marginal farmers - who conduct farming on terrace and small landholdings - had switched to organic farming. “The big players, including commercial farmers and high-range planters, are still depending on chemicals and inorganic fertilisers. Unless they bring in a major shift in their attitude, there would not be any big change in the pesticide and fertiliser market. Besides, traders have started giving priority to bio-pesticides and bio-fertilisers, anticipating a change in the consumption pattern,” he said.

KAU Vice-chancellor Dr P Rajendran said the Pesticide Manufactures Association had been exerting pressure on the varsity to withdraw its ‘Veggie Wash,’ a mixture of natural/plant-based products for removing pesticide residue from vegetables and fruits. The solution was developed by the KAU after traces of pesticides were found on samples of vegetables and fruits. However, the university has adopted a stance not to yield to their pressure,” he added.

The study report has urged the government to interfere with pesticide retail sales in the State, and to bring the sector under the control of the public sector. “The local bodies should take the lead role in ensuring that only legally permitted pesticides are sold under their jurisdiction,” stated the report.