IMP comprises a range of approaches, from carefully targeted use of chemical pesticides to biological techniques that use natural parasites and predators to control pests

Regulating use of pesticides

The environmental impact of pesticides is often greater than what is intended by those who use them. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including non target species -- air, water, bottom sediments, and food. Pesticides can contribute to air pollution. Pesticide drift occurs when pesticides suspended in the air as particles are carried by wind to other areas, potentially contaminating them. Pesticides that are applied to crops can volatilize and may be blown by winds into nearby areas, potentially posing a threat to wildlife.
Researchers at the Institute of Development Policy Analysis in Bangladesh  found banned and suspect pesticides among the 12,000 tonnes imported into the country in recent years -- a three-fold increase over the last decade . Suppliers continue to sell many chemical  and also 12 particularly controversial pesticides dubbed the "dirty dozen" by activists campaigning worldwide to stop  their  manufacture.  But gullible and illiterate farmers in Bangladesh are persuaded by glib sales talk at promotional camps, and through incentive schemes, to buy new unregistered formulations that promise to protect crops against pest attacks and disease  
In a  survey of 820 boro (winter rice), potato, bean, eggplant, cabbage, sugarcane and mango farmers in Bangladesh, more than 47 percent of farmers were found to use more pesticides than needed to protect their crops.
   With only four percent of farmers formally trained in pesticide use or handling, and over 87 percent freely admitting that they used little or no protective measures while applying pesticides, overuse is potentially a very threatening problem to farmers’  health as well as the environment in this country. Thus, in Bangladesh there is an urgent need to actively promote safer pesticide use and hygienic practices among people who handle these substances.
But greater positive changes can occur with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM comprises a range of approaches, from carefully targeted use of chemical pesticides to biological techniques that use natural parasites and predators to control pests. Since IPM reduces pesticide costs with no accompanying loss in production, it seems to be more profitable than conventional  farming with liberal use of pesticides. Interview results also suggest substantial health and ecological benefits. However, collective adoption of these methods is a must. Neighbours’ continued reliance on chemicals to kill pests will also kill helpful parasites and predators, as well as exposing IPM farmers and local ecosystems to chemical spillovers from adjoining fields.

 

IMP comprises a range of approaches, from carefully targeted use of chemical pesticides to biological techniques that use natural parasites and predators to control pests

Regulating use of pesticides

The environmental impact of pesticides is often greater than what is intended by those who use them. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including non target species -- air, water, bottom sediments, and food. Pesticides can contribute to air pollution. Pesticide drift occurs when pesticides suspended in the air as particles are carried by wind to other areas, potentially contaminating them. Pesticides that are applied to crops can volatilize and may be blown by winds into nearby areas, potentially posing a threat to wildlife. Researchers at the Institute of Development Policy Analysis in Bangladesh found banned and suspect pesticides among the 12,000 tonnes imported into the country in recent years -- a three-fold increase over the last decade . Suppliers continue to sell many chemical and also 12 particularly controversial pesticides dubbed the dirty dozen by activists campaigning worldwide to stop their manufacture. But gullible and illiterate farmers in Bangladesh are persuaded by glib sales talk at promotional camps, and through incentive schemes, to buy new unregistered formulations that promise to protect crops against pest attacks and disease In a survey of 820 boro (winter rice), potato, bean, eggplant, cabbage, sugarcane and mango farmers in Bangladesh, more than 47 percent of farmers were found to use more pesticides than needed to protect their crops. With only four percent of farmers formally trained in pesticide use or handling, and over 87 percent freely admitting that they used little or no protective measures while applying pesticides, overuse is potentially a very threatening problem to farmers health as well as the environment in this country. Thus, in Bangladesh there is an urgent need to actively promote safer pesticide use and hygienic practices among people who handle these substances. But greater positive changes can occur with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM comprises a range of approaches, from carefully targeted use of chemical pesticides to biological techniques that use natural parasites and predators to control pests. Since IPM reduces pesticide costs with no accompanying loss in production, it seems to be more profitable than conventional farming with liberal use of pesticides. Interview results also suggest substantial health and ecological benefits. However, collective adoption of these methods is a must. Neighbours continued reliance on chemicals to kill pests will also kill helpful parasites and predators, as well as exposing IPM farmers and local ecosystems to chemical spillovers from adjoining fields.