Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Jul 05, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Jul 05, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Agri-Biz & Commodities
-
Agricultural Policy Endosulfan not used since one year: Gowri Our Bureau
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, July 4 THE Minister for Agriculture, Ms K.R. Gowri, has said that endosulfan has not been used in the cashew plantations owned by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala during the last one year after the State Government issued instructions in this regard. Replying to a notice adjournment motion sought leave for by the Leader of Opposition, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, in the State Assembly, the Minister said that the Government directive was in response to reports of serious health hazards to the local population in three panchayats of Kasaragod district, allegedly emanating from the use of the pesticide in the cashew plantations. Ms Gowri said that the State Government was not authorised to impose a ban on the use of the pesticide and was looking to guidance from the Central Pesticides Authority. The State Government has already moved the authority in this connection and reports by two expert committees which went into the issue have also been submitted. Endosulfan was used in more than 4,000 hectares of cashew plantations spread over three villages in Kasaragod for the last 20 years. The State Government has now banned the use of any pesticide in the area for the next five years. The Department of Health has been told to go into the cause of physical disabilities and other diseases afflicting the people in these areas. The expert committee constituted for the purpose has already held two sittings and is expected to come out with a report soon. "The State Government has done everything under its power to prevent any further use of the pesticide. Further steps would be initiated after we hear from the Central authorities,'' Ms Gowri told the House. The Plantation Corporation would be given fresh reminders against using endosulfan in the area. In his motion, Mr Achuthanandan said that an estimated 60 people had died of cancer during the last five years and many others were battling for life from other ailments. Several cases of learning disability and reproductive disorders had been reported from the three panchayats. Budgetary support: An expert committee headed by farm scientist, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, has suggested that the State Government extend Budgetary support to schemes aimed with a view to boosting exports of cash crops such as rubber from the State. Replying to a question, the Agriculture Minister told the House that the committee had suggested the implementation of a comprehensive project for development of coconut farming through better productivity and diversification. The project would be implemented in co-operation with farmers under the Coconut Technology Mission programme.
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
|
Stories in this Section |
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | Home |
Copyright © 2002, The
Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu Business Line
|