Pesticides are inherently toxic substances. In India, they are registered for use by the Registration Committee (RC) constituted under section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968. RC, only after evaluating and satisfying itself about the safety and efficacy of the pesticides, grants registration. It approves the standards for use of pesticides by prescribing its dosages, crops on which it is to be used, precautionary measures to be taken while using it, optimal re-entry period after each application of pesticides etc. on Label and Leaflets.
According to the government, use of registered pesticides as per Label and Leaflets do not pose any harm to human beings, animals and environment and living organisms other than pests.
During the ongoing monsoon session, the Government said that it is popularizing the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which envisages other methods of pest management like cultural, mechanical, biological etc. and only need based judicious use of pesticides is advocated as a last resort to minimize their usage.
IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. IPM is best described as a continuum.
The Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine & Storage (DPPQ&S) through its 36 Central IPM Centers in 28 States and 2 UTs, the government said, is conducting various activities viz. Farmers Field Schools (FFS), two days and five days HRD programmes and 30 days’ Season Long Training Programmes (SLTP) to educate and train farmers and extension functionaries as well as pesticide dealers about safe, judicious and need based use of pesticides according to their label claim. Use of bio-pesticides should be encouraged to manage the crop pests. More programs need to be conducted to empower farmers with knowledge, skills and also to sharpen their ability to make critical and informed decisions to solve problems related to Plant protection.
There is need to popularize IPM in the farming community by imparting training to Agriculture , Horticulture Extension Functionaries and Farmers at Grass Root Level.
