Overuse of pesticides increases health risks

RAJSHAHI, Sept 26: Due to the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides on land in Rajshahi, the nutritional quality of crops is being destroyed with soil fertility decreasing and environment being polluted.
Doctors said that eating these crops is causing serious health risks, including cancer. However, these problems are not stopped due to various limitations.
According to the Agricultural Diary published by the Agricul-tural Information Service, the total cultivable land of the country is 8,817,935 hectares.
More than 6.4 million (64 lakh) tonnes of chemical fertilisers and 39,283 tonnes of pesticides have been used for these lands during the 2022-23 season.
While visiting different upazilas of the district, including Paba, Tanore, Godagari, Puthia, Bag-mara, this correspondent has found that farmers overuse fertilisers and pesticides on their croplands to fight diseases and boost yields.
Alamgir Hossain, a farmer of Karnahar area of Paba upazila, said, "He has planted brinjal and pepper on three bigha of land. He regular applies chemical fertilisers and pesticides on the land for four days apart and apart and got a bumper yield this time."
"If no pesticides are applied, the insect will destroy the eggplants, which will not grow. So we are forced to apply pesticides and chemical fertilisers."
Sabuj Hossain, a farmer of Hatgangopara area of Bagmara upazila, said, "Last year brinjal farming on two bighas of land were affected by pest attacks because no pesticides were applied."
"However, since the beginning of this season, the application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has resulted in good yields. About one maund of fertiliser has been applied per bigha."
Dr AKM Parvez, associate professor of Agronomy and Agricul-ture Extension Department of Rajshahi University, said, "Beneficial organisms are being damaged due to excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Apart from this, with the loss of fertility of the land, the ecology of the environment is being des-troyed and the existence of biodiversity is in crisis."
Dr Abdulla Al Maruf, professor of Geography and Ecology at Rajshahi University, said, "15-20 years ago, water bodies which used to have a natural presence of various types of fish and animals, have been gradually reduced due to the use of various chemicals in the water.
FMA Zahid, deputy chief physician of Rajshahi University Medical Centre, said, "Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides can control insects, but food poisoning remains from the crops produced. It poses serious health risks like cancer and infertility.
Umme Salma, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, said, "Due to various constraints, including manpower shortage, the agriculture department is not able to take steps to stop the use of excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides."
"But besides raising awareness among the farmers, they are being trained. It is hoped that if the farmers are aware, the application of excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides will gradually decrease."
Rajshahi Divisional Commi-ssioner Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said, "A committee has been formed for cooperation in safe crop production. If those committees are made effective, this problem will be solved quickly. However, strict action will be taken if farmers are not aware of this."

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