Study highlights alarming pesticide use by Assam farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 27 2025: A comprehensive study has revealed alarming levels of pesticide overuse among vegetable farmers in Assam, India.

Conducted across four districts - Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, and Hailakandi - the research highlights the widespread misuse of pesticides in cultivating tomatoes, cabbages, and cauliflowers, with significant implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural economics.

The study was conducted by IIT, Kharagpur faculty members Abdullah Al Mamun and Kishor Goswami.

It was published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Vegetable Science.

The study, spanning from September 2021 to March 2022, surveyed 390 farmers through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews.

It found that 68 per cent of the farmers exceeded recommended pesticide dosages, applying an average of 0.88 kg per Hectare per season.

Tomato fields accounted for the highest pesticide application, with farmers applying as much as 1,351 kg of active ingredients, followed by cauliflower and cabbage at 702 kg and 520 kg, respectively.

Among the pesticides used, 15.8 per cent were classified as highly hazardous, 25.3 per cent as moderately hazardous, and 6.9 per cent as slightly hazardous, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) toxicity classifications.

The overuse of pesticides was attributed to multiple socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors.

Education emerged as a critical determinant, with higher education levels significantly reducing the likelihood of overuse.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training also played a pivotal role, lowering pesticide overuse by 12.1 per cent.

Farmers who cultivated vegetables on separate plots for self-consumption showed a 22 per cent lower likelihood of overuse, demonstrating an awareness of health risks when producing for personal use.

Conversely, reliance on pesticide retailers for advice contributed to a 20.2 per cent higher likelihood of overuse, as retailers often promoted excessive application for commercial gain.

Access to credit and off-farm income were also significant contributors, with farmers utilising additional financial resources to increase pesticide usage as a precautionary measure to maximise yields.

Farmers who reported health symptoms related to pesticide exposure paradoxically exhibited a 12.11 per cent higher probability of overuse, possibly reflecting a cycle of dependency driven by perceived productivity benefits.

The research also uncovered systemic issues contributing to pesticide misuse.

Farmers relied heavily on retailers (54.9 per cent) and fellow farmers (44.9 per cent) for advice, while only 13.1 per cent accessed government extension services.

The limited reach and effectiveness of these services highlight the need for robust agricultural advisory systems.

Additionally, market-driven consumer preferences for visually appealing produce further exacerbated pesticide overuse, as farmers sought to meet cosmetic standards that prioritise appearance over safety and sustainability.

The study emphasised the environmental and health consequences of pesticide overuse, including the presence of residues in food, acute and chronic health issues, and environmental degradation.

The findings align with global trends, as pesticide misuse has been observed in countries like Greece, Ethiopia, and Southeast Asia, although the rates in Assam remain lower than in regions such as Kuwait and Bangladesh.

Regional variations also played a significant role.

Farmers in Hailakandi exhibited lower pesticide overuse compared to their counterparts in Darrang, attributed to better agricultur -al practices, effective extension services, and favourable agro-climatic conditions.

These variations underscore the need for region-specific interventions to address the issue.

The study calls for targeted policy measures to mitigate pesticide overuse.

Promoting IPM training, enhancing farmer education, and establishing independent advisory systems are critical.

Strengthening government extension services and providing unbiased, science-based guidance can reduce reliance on pesticide retailers.

The researchers also advocate for shifting consumer preferences through certification schemes and premium pricing for minimally treated or pesticide-free produce, which can incentivise sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, the study suggests leveraging technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to enable precision pest management and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides.

Financial and technological support for adopting IPM and biological control methods is essential to address labour shortages and economic constraints faced by farmers.

The research underscored the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors driving pesticide overuse in Assam's vegetable farming.

It calls for a coordinated approach involving policymakers, agricultural experts, and local communities to achieve sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security, protect public health, and safeguard the environment.

Meanwhile, Assam plays a pivotal role in supplying vegetables to neighbouring states, including Manipur.

However, the overuse of pesticides in farming practices raises significant health concerns for consumers.

According to the World Health Organisation, while authorised pesticides are not genotoxic, adverse effects can occur above certain exposure levels, potentially leading to acute poisoning or long-term health issues such as cancer and reproductive disorders.

A study published in the journal Cancer identified 22 pesticides linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, with four also raising the probability of death.

Additionally, another research published in the US-based Frontiers journal indicates that exposure to neonicotinoids, a common class of pesticides, may affect brain development similarly to nicotine, leading to neuron loss and brain tissue shrinkage.

This exposure might be associated with long-term health effects such as ADHD, reduced motor skills, behavioural problems, and delayed sexual maturation in males.

These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and regulating pesticide use to safeguard public health.

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