Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Nevertheless, India cannot boast that it has fewer incidences of deliberate wildlife poisoning
using carbofuran in relation to the rest of the world. Incidences could well be going unnoticed,
unreported or uninvestigated. Likewise, pesticide poisoning may be misclassifi ed since it can exhibit
similarities (in terms of clinical signs) with a number of illnesses. As detailed here, incidents are
also certainly being reported as 'poisoning by a pesticide' without further detailed investigation or
specifi cation of the pesticide(s) involved.
Even if incidences are confi rmed, they are often improperly documented, and information can remain
in the form of a postmortem report only (refer to our References section). Many reports are based on
circumstantial evidence, and only a few are authenticated by chemical analysis. In India, the poisoning
surveillance system with respect to wildlife is not well formed or coordinated. A veterinary toxico-
logical service network (like the one recommended by Motas-Guzman, Marla-Mojica, Romero et al.
(2003)) is required in order to document and mitigate incidences of poisoning. Where human instances
of poisoning are concerned, there are four poison information centres in India, which are specialised
units that provide information regarding the prevention and treatment of poisoning, as well as hazard
management. As maintained throughout this topic, without proper surveillance and an information sys-
tem focused on wildlife poisoning, it is diffi cult to formulate effective policy changes on this issue.
4.10 Potential short and long-term solutions
The deleterious effects that arise following the use of carbofuran at approved levels will only be con-
trolled by a reduction in the overall consumption of the pesticide within the country. Cotton and rice
account for the major proportion of pesticide used in India (45 and 20%, respectively) even though
they are cultivated in only 5% and 24% of the total cropping area. Other cereals/millets/oil seeds are
cultivated in 58% of India's total cropping area, yet consume only 6-7% of the total pesticide used
(Abhilash and Singh 2009). Crops which require extensive pesticide application should be brought
under the Integrated Pest Control Programme (IPCP). This programme involves raising resistant
crop varieties and integrating cultural and biological practices with minimal chemical pesticide use.
For example, non-chemical management practices (provided by Pandey, Kalra and Gupta (2009))
to control nematodes could include: fallowing (where the land is not planted for a certain period of
time), fl ooding, changing the sowing and/or planting time, crop rotation, the use of an antagonistic
crop, the use of nematode-free planting material or seeds, summer ploughing/soil solarisation (to
expose nematodes to solar radiation), organic amendment and biological control.
Earlier, we noted that carbofuran misuse arises through improper use of the compound by farmers
(which results in them harming themselves), and through excessive applications. The occupational
hazard associated with carbofuran could be avoided if the proper practice outlined for application of
the pesticide was followed. Abhilash and Singh (2009) suggest several options, i.e., enhancing oper-
ator knowledge and providing properly designed equipment and protective wear. At the moment,
farmers are more commonly concerned only with the potential for loss in crop yield. However, it is
important that they are made aware of the deleterious effects of excessive pesticide use in order to
protect their own health and that of the environment. An effi cient monitoring system, which also acts
to streamline the use of carbofuran, by highlighting safe practice and recommending effective doses,
may help reduce accidents associated with misuse of the pesticide.
4.10.1 Alternatives to carbofuran
Carbofuran is widely used in India, especially to control plant pest species. Bearing in mind its
potential to cause harmful effects in the environment (even when it is used in an approved manner, as
discussed in Chapters 7 and 8), and its potential illegal abuse in terms of deliberate poisoning, several
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