13 Apr Judicious application of pesticides is need of the hour for sustainable agriculture
कीटनाशकाेे का विवेकपूर्ण उपयोग सतत कृषि के लिए समय की आवश्यकता Although, pesticides offer one of the best means of controlling insect-pests and diseases of plant, pesticides are poisonous and their indiscriminate and unlimited use may result in ecological imbalance resulting in pest resurgence, aggravation of minor pests, pesticides resistance, environmental pollution, poising serious health hazards to man and animals. Only a small amount of the pesticides (less than 1%) applied to a crop reaches to the target pests and the remaining more than 99% contaminates soil, air, water, food, feed etc. However, if used judiciously such problems do not occur. Most of the problems related to pesticides use have occurred due to misuse and abuse of pesticides for which man is responsible and not the pesticides. Therefore, the following precautions should be followed in handling and using the pesticides:- General precautions in using pesticides The pesticides must be used within expiry date. Keep pesticides in labeled containers only Do not spray or dust dangerous pesticides in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Do not use pesticides on farm animals without consulting your veterinary doctor. Do not use leaky and faulty equipment. Do not apply pesticides on a lawn or pasture when people or animals are around. Do not allow pesticides drifts to an area where it might injure people or animals. Apply various...