Pesticides are the chemical, biological or natural substances used in farming to control harmful organisms and pests such as insects, pathogens, weeds and rats. They play a very important role in maintaining crop yields and quality.

Since ancient times farmers have controlled insects with ash, neem leaves, various herbal substances and organic materials. Chemical pesticides appeared after the Industrial Revolution, and their widespread use began in the mid-20th century.

Pesticides raise farm output and help secure food. They reduce the 30-40 per cent crop loss that pests and diseases could otherwise cause, and protect stored grain from insects and fungi.

But excessive or uncontrolled use harms the environment and human health. It damages beneficial insects and biodiversity and can degrade soil fertility and water quality. That is why sustainable farming now places particular emphasis on biopesticides, natural enemies and integrated pest management, along with wide awareness campaigns in print, electronic and social media.

• Decide whether it is needed: do not use pesticides unnecessarily. First make sure the field has actually been attacked and how serious the damage is.
• Choose the right pesticide: pick one suited to the type of pest. Read and understand the label and instructions carefully.
• Take personal protection: use PPE such as gloves, a mask, goggles, long-sleeved clothing and boots. Never spray with bare hands or bare feet.
• Take care when mixing: mix pesticides in a well-ventilated place. Never suck on the sprayer pipe to draw in water.
• Keep away from food: make sure pesticide does not mix with food, drink or animal feed while mixing or storing. Never use pesticide bottles or containers for food.
• Choose the weather and time: do not spray in strong wind, extreme heat or rain. Early morning or late afternoon is best.
• Other precautions: keep pesticides away from children, livestock, poultry and fish enclosures. Do not use pesticides if you are unwell.

• Personal hygiene: wash hands, face and body well with soap and clean water right after spraying. Wash used clothes and dry them in the sun. Bathe and put on clean clothes.
• Food and drink: do not eat or drink immediately after spraying. Eat only after at least one to two hours, having washed hands and face well.
• Entering the field: it is best not to enter the field or garden for at least 24 hours after spraying. If you must, use a mask, gloves and other protective gear.
• Animals and birds: do not let livestock onto sprayed land for at least 24-48 hours. Avoid using pesticides near fish enclosures or ducks and chickens.
• Waste disposal: do not throw empty pesticide bottles or packets in the field or by water. Bury them or dispose of them safely according to local rules.
• Health warning: see a doctor quickly if you feel dizzy, vomit, have difficulty breathing or have burning eyes, and tell the doctor which pesticide was used.

The article lists ten types: seed treatments, fungicides, viricides, bactericides, miticides, insecticides, nematicides, biopesticides, herbicides, and PGRs or hormones.

It lists four kinds of poison: stomach poison, contact poison, fumigant poison and systemic poison.

It also gives the following periods for common insecticides: cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin, 4-5 days; methrin, malathion, fenitrothion, fenthion, fenvalerate and phenthoate, 7-10 days; diazinon, quinalphos, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, 10-15 days; acephate, carbaryl, cartap and fipronil, 15-20 days; carbofuran, 20-25 days.

Although pesticides are essential to modern farming, misuse and careless application pose serious risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity, so raising awareness among farmers and the public is vital. Applying the right dose at the right time, using proper protective gear and following alternatives such as biopesticides or integrated pest management can greatly reduce the risk.

Above all, training, public awareness and proper enforcement of government policy can reduce pesticide risk while building sustainable farming and a healthy environment.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.