Plan to minimise application of agrochemicals and pesticides
Saturday, 6 September 2014 00:02
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The Government has taken measures to gradually reduce and minimise the use of agrochemicals and pesticides in agriculture.
The Ministry of Agriculture has drawn up a program to minimise the use of agro-chemicals and pesticides by 2020.
Sri Lanka annually imports approximately 8,000 metric tons (MT) of agrochemicals and 900,000 MT of chemical fertiliser.
Furthermore, a joint research project conducted by the Sri Lankan Government and the WHO has found that the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the country’s main agricultural production regions caused by fertiliser and pesticide use.
The Agriculture Ministry’s program to minimise the use of agrochemicals and pesticides will adhere to minimising the use of pesticides and agro-chemicals gradually.
The Government will appoint officers engaged in agriculture extension activities as plant physicians in crop clinics and take measures to establish organic villages where natural fertiliser will be used.
The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has received Cabinet approval to implement the program.
