Use of pesticides on vegetable, crop fields causes health hazar

Extensive use of pesticides is also polluting environment and affecting ecological balance, Agricultural experts said.

Growers use different kinds of pesticides on paddy, wheat, potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, gourd, cauliflower, cabbage, lady's finger and other vegetables to achieve good harvest.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The agronomists said effect of the ingredients of pesticides remains active on raw vegetables for at least one month after spraying of the pesticides. So, one should not eat such cereals and vegetables within this period, they said.

Long term consumption of pesticide-sprayed cereals and vegetables may affect kidney, liver, skin and nerve system and cause fatal disease like cancer, they added.

"Besides, the insecticides sprayed on the vegetable and crop fields mix with rainwater and roll down into the rivers, ponds and canals affecting fish resources adversely", they said.

Cattle are also being affected by eating insecticide-sprayed grass, paddy plant and vegetables, the agronomists said.

Besides, indiscriminate use of pesticides is responsible for elimination of different insects and pests, which are beneficial to crops and ecological balance.

Different brands of insecticides are available in various markets in the district. Besides, low quality Indian insecticides have flooded different markets of the district. Farmers also prefer using Indian pesticides due to its low price.