Glyphosate still in market: Rs. 3000 a bottle

Representatives of agrarian organisations expressed concern that banned agro-chemicals were still available in the open market in the Galle District. They said that the government had banned the agro chemical Glyphosate, which had been found to cause kidney ailments, Chronic Kidney Disease in particular.

However, the banned agro-chemical sold earlier for Rs. 850 a bottle was now sold for about Rs.3000 in the black market, they said.

President of the Galle District Agrarian Organisation Susantha De Silva said that Glyphosate contained toxic elements called Cadmium and Lead that caused serious renal ailments and that the authorities had banned it.

He said the farmers expected that the government would introduce

Deputy Director of Agriculture Senani De Silva said that the farmers should switch to organic fertilisers but it was not feasible as yet

environmental friendly agro-chemicals, but it had not yet been fulfilled.

Deputy Director of Agriculture Senani De Silva said that the farmers should switch to organic fertilisers but it was not feasible as yet.

“Use of a banned chemical is illegal. Chaff, coal, hay, cow dung and poultry waste could be used in place. We have introduced several varieties of paddy that could be cultivated with organic fertilisers. We have also introduced several alternative methods to be adapted,” he said.