TS to regulate use of pesticides

The sale of fertilisers and pesticides in Telangana is all set to be regulated by state government from the ensuing kharif season in June.

The state government has issued directions to all fertiliser shops not to sell fertilisers and pesticides to farmers without a prescription by agriculture officials.

According to officials, the move is aimed at preventing farmers from using fertilisers and pesticides indiscriminately and also to ensure that farmers do not incur additional financial burden.

In case of any pest attack on their crops, the farmers have to approach agriculture officials, who would inspect the fields and prescribe the required quantity of fertilisers and pesticides based on which the farmers are allowed to purchase.

The government has warned fertiliser shops of severe action, including the cancellation of licences, if they sell fertilisers without a valid prescription.

At present, there is no monitoring mechanism on the usage and sale of fertilisers and pesticides. The farmers directly approach shops and explain the condition of crops to dealers.

The dealers suggest fertilisers and pesticides on their own and ask the farmers to use them to get rid off pests and ensure a good harvest.

There are complaints of dealers forcing farmers to purchase more than the quantity required and in some cases selling brands of only four or five companies to make profits.

While the dealers are doing brisk business, the farmers are suffering losses as fertilisers and pesticides prescribed by dealers without inspecting the fields or without knowing the actual problem fail to deliver the desired results.

Besides, it is also affecting the soil fertility, and quality of crops resulting in losses for farmers.

Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said the government has recently recruited agriculture extension officers to cover all the mandals.

“Each officer has a jurisdiction of three mandals. They will visit the agriculture fields,” he said.