Strict controls in the use of chemical fertiliser

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government has decided to implement new rules and regulations in the use of insecticides, pesticides and all chemical fertiliser, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

The use of insecticides, pesticides and chemical fertiliser in the agriculture sector has increased considerably, he said.

Their indiscriminate use have become a threat to human health. Around 10,000 persons are hospitalised every year due to chemical poisoning. Around 2,000 persons die each year from diseases caused by insecticides, pesticides and chemical fertiliser, the minister said.

Ingestion of insecticides and pesticides has become one of the main reasons for the increasing number of kidney diseases. Hence, the government decided to implement strict rules and regulations related to the use of chemicals, he said.

Traders have been advised to issue insecticides, pesticides and other chemicals only to farmers and issuing them to children has been totally banned.

The display of instruction on bottles have also been made compulsory. The government has taken a decision to print the instructions on the bottles in all three languages, the minister said.