Kerala to ban 20 toxic pesticides

In tune with its policy to promote organic farming, the LDF government in Kerala (Inida) has decided to ban nearly 20 types of highly toxic insecticides.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting convened by Agriculture Minister Mullakara Ratnakaran here yesterday, officials said on Thursday.

Carbonfurn Phorate, Methyl Parathion, Monocrotophons and Methyl Dmators were some of the pesticides to be banned. Aerial spraying of pesticides will also be banned, they said.

The government is also considering a restriction on use of yellow category pesticides such as profenophos and triazohpos, the officials said.

A decision to grant special educational assistance to children affected by use of endosulfan pesticide in Kasaragod district was also taken in the meeting, they said.

As per the scheme, Rs 1,000 per annum will be given to each student up to seventh standard. Rs 2,000 per annum will be given to those studying in high schools and Rs 2,500 per annum to higher secondary students.

Kerala has been pressing for a nationwide ban on endosulfan pesticide as studies by experts had shown that its use in northern Kasaragod district had caused nearly 500 deaths and chronic health problems to hundreds.