Glyphosate

August 16, 2023

Agricultural experts have warned pesticide sellers against the sale and storage of glyphosate as its exposure is known for causing cancer.
Alternative herbicides are available in the market and the farmers are recommended use them.

ABOUT GLYPHOSATE

It is a widely used herbicide which was developed in 1970.
- A herbicide is an agent, usually chemical, for killing or inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants, such as residential or agricultural weeds and invasive species.
It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill weeds.
It is used primarily in agriculture but also in forestry and lawn and garden care.
It is considered a broad-spectrum herbicide.
- It can effectively control a wide variety of plants, including grasses, broadleaf plants, and woody plants.
It is also a non-selective herbicide that means it kills most plants.
Health Concerns–
- Health impacts of glyphosate range from cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity to neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity.
- Also it does not degrade quickly in plants which increase the possibility that its residues can occur in food products.
In 2022, The Union Agriculture Ministry had restricted the use of glyphosate.
- The spraying of glyphosate and its derivatives is only permitted through “pest control operators”.