Monday 18 July 2011

Cheap pesticide, costly harvest: Kids genetically poisoned in India


Cheap, effective and highly toxic Endosulfan pesticide is banned in most countries, but still widely embraced by farmers in India. While the government claims there is no affordable alternative to the chemical, families are paying a high price. Until recently, India was one of the few countries in the world that allowed the use of Endosulfan. The agriculture ministry says there is no other cheap alternative to the powerful pesticide. But finally, after mounting pressure at home and abroad, the Supreme Court voted on an eight-week ban on the pesticide which is set to expire in mid-July. The use of the pesticide has resulted in serious consequences, with a whole generation of children suffering devastating health problems.

1 comment: