Drop in insecticide, fungicide use, increase in pesticide use

Ishara Mudugamuwa

The usage of insecticides and fungicides in Sri Lanka has been reduced over the past few years, said Registrar of Pesticides Anura Wijesekera at a discussion held with Agricultural Experts and Agriculture Ministry officials.

"Though the usage of insecticides and fungicides has seen a decline, the use of pesticides has seen a tremendous increase when compared to the amount of land cultivated. But an experiment conducted by agricultural experts using the ICPMS machine shows that the heavy metal content in these pesticides has not exceeded the danger level," he said. Wijesekera also said the Pesticides Registration Office plans to ban the display of pesticide advertisements in paddy fields, road sides and on cultivation lands.

He further added that those involved in the illegal importation of pesticides will have their licences cancelled.

At the discussion, Doctors emphasized that heavy metals are the main reason for kidney disease spreading in North Central Province and it is necessary to introduce suitable standards for fertilizer use in Sri Lanka, considering environmental conditions of the country.

National Fertilizer Secretariat Director H.S. Dharmawardane said it is compulsory that the permission of the Fertilizer Secretariat is sought for mixing of fertilizer while a laboratory analysis for all heavy metals, such as, Lead, Mercury, Arsenic and Cadmium included in mixed and other types of fertilizers is a prerequisite.

The Pesticides Registration Office requests public assistance to inform them on illegal pesticide promotions through Telephone Nos. 081 2388135 and 081 2388076.

Agriculture Ministry Additional Secretary D.B.T. Wijeratne, Director Hemantha Wijawardane, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Consultant Doctor Kumudu Dahanayake, Dr. Channa Sugath Jayasumana also participated on the occasion.