Latest news with #Glyphosate
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Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Will talk to environment ministry on HtBt cotton issue, says Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said he will raise the issue of herbicide tolerant BT cotton (HtBt) with the Union Environment Ministry as there are reports of farmers growing them illegally. 'We will also talk about Htbt cotton with the environment ministry. It is being said that seeds are coming in secretly and illegally. We will work seriously on this too,' Chouhan said while addressing high-level stakeholders meeting on cotton today in Coimbatore. Chouhan's statement came amid reports that a high-powered panel appointed by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has given a favourable recommendation on commercialisation of HtBt cotton after analysing three years' bio-safety data. GEAC works under the Ministry of Environment. Chouhan said if farmers grow that type of cotton which is beneficial to industry then they will get good rates. Formal approvals for HtBt cotton have been pending for a long time due to strident opposition from some quarters over the indiscriminate use of controversial herbicide Glyphosate that such varieties are resistant to. An application for BG11 Round-Up Ready Flex has been pending for approval for a long time. Since 2002, no new BT technology has been introduced in the country for cotton which has also spawned a large market for illegally developed BT that is causing more harm to farmers. The problems are not just in the production, millers and ginners who had embarked on a massive expansion drive adding new spindles almost every year are also staring at a problem as dipping domestic cotton production is pushing up reliance on imports. India's domestic cotton production has dropped from a high of around 36 million bales in 2013-14 (October to September) to around 30 million bales in 2024-25 (October to September), a drop of almost 20 per cent. As a result of which, India has become a net importer from being a net exporter of cotton. Chouhan, meanwhile, said that India's cotton per hectare yield cannot remain much below the world average if the country has to become world leader in cotton production. He also announced the setting up of a special panel of senior officials from the ministry of agriculture, Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), textiles ministry, representatives of state government and others to prepare a roadmap for rejuvenating the country's cotton sector.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Plans afoot to legalise HtBt to double cotton production
NEW DELHI: In a major agricultural reform aimed at doubling cotton production in the country, the government is planning to legalise the controversial herbicide-tolerant (Ht) Bt cotton (HtBt cotton). The expert committee on HtBt cotton seeds has given a positive recommendation for its commercial cultivation to the top biosafety regulatory body, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), after analysing three years of biosafety data. Environmentalists are concerned that the approval may lead to farmers indiscriminately spraying Glyphosate, a controversial herbicide used to eliminate weeds without harming cotton crops. This practice raises concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment and other crops grown in nearby fields. The GEAC appointed the committee in 2022 to study the adverse effects of HtBt cotton. The committee assessed the biosafety data of Bayer-owned, Monsanto-patented HtBt cotton for the years 2022-2024, reviewed the fresh risk assessment and risk management, and yield claim, and found it satisfactory. However, HtBt cotton cultivation has been occurring illegally in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana for many years. 'If we approve commercial cultivation, then farmers who are getting 'unauthorised seeds' would get the right quality of seeds, where the seller would be made accountable,' a senior officer said.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The organic imperative
Organic food is often derided as being expensive, which it can be, and elitist, which it isn't, the focus in such categorisation being on the consumer. Yet, there is little understanding of the systemic and human consequences of conventional agriculture, as chemical-centric farming is termed. For instance, there is little acknowledgement of what a farming family endures in their daily life when supplying the market with produce that is grown with a cocktail of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides and the unintended consequences of having these poisons lying around in the farm or their home. The agrochemical stores that sell these products almost never offers safety gloves or advise the farmer on personal safety. The safe-application dosage is provided in gross — and, I would argue, negligent — approximation. As a consequence, it is common to see farm hands fill up the sprayer with water, add the chemical — often a deadly poison — with bare hands, load the tanks on their back and spray without any sort of protective covering. While some crops require less sprays, others, such as cotton, demand heavy dosages of pesticides and the outcome is expected, if depressing. Since everyone uses these chemicals with little caution, it is seen as the norm and not unusual in the least. Young farmers taking to the profession follow suit which is particularly disheartening to see, for it is highly probable that the deleterious effects of regular usage — disruption of the endocrine system, genetic damage, alteration to the functioning of the pituitary gland, fertility and birth defects, cancers, lung ailments, autoimmune conditions, among others — will visit them in some years. The choices of chemicals available in the nearby agrochemicals shop and toxicity of 'crop protection' products, as the basket of pesticides is euphemistically referred to, are utterly frightening to contemplate: weedicides such as Glyphosate, considered to be a possible carcinogen, were introduced in India a couple of decades ago and are used widely as a substitute to manual labour in weed control, broadening the number of highly dangerous chemicals farmhands will be exposed to. The impact of these chemicals on wildlife — insects, birds, mammals, reptiles — is now known as a result of well-documented published research, yet the learnings have been ignored in the making of policy decisions, even when the effect on human food supply is likely to be acutely affected in future. As an example, it is known that neonicotinoids, a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine to control pests, are dangerous neurotoxic chemicals for bees and other pollinators, yet few countries around the world are able to fend off the lobbying efforts of the pesticide industry and ban them. Corrupting the food chain It is now also understood that chemical fertilizers and pesticides leach into groundwater, streams, lakes and rivers, affecting the aquatic biota and the food chain all the way to mammals. A pioneering study done over 30 years ago found that organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in otter faeces from nine catchment regions in southwestern England from 1989 to 1991. Following the scientific principle of bio-accumulation (accumulation of a pollutant like a pesticide in tissues of a living organism), humans are likely to be affected, particularly in the less-developed countries where water treatment at the municipality level is shoddy or non-existent. The environmental media and NGOs have challenged the pesticide industry and rightly asked hard questions, despite little support from the regulators. Yet, there are further troubling questions: what happens to an empty pesticide bottle or packet? The anecdotal answers are worrying. Take bottles: instances of farmers living close to streams rinsing these bottles in stream water to use the 'last drop' in their sprayer are well known, which, in turn, releases toxicity into the stream and ultimately into the human body, as species such as fish and crabs are consumed. There is an active plastic recycling economy, in which aggregators visit farms and buy such used bottles which are then sent to be recycled to another product. When we consider the fumes breathed in and the exposure to toxins by thousands of poor workers in the informal recycling sector as these bottles are melted or converted into plastic chips, the supply chain and its unintended consequences becomes clearer. None of this is documented or even satisfactorily understood, nor is there any ongoing study that could provide clues to the scale and insidiousness of the problem. Buying organic food is perhaps the optimal solution, as increasing demand from consumers will encourage the transition for some farmers, either individually or as farmer producer organisations, to sustainable ways of farming. The valid question often asked is about the genuineness of the organic produce we see online or on shelves. The purchase of products with organic certification is one solution, yet a better way is to read up about organic movements and farmers and to seek out those who farm organically because of their beliefs and value systems while ensuring healthy profits; social media has enough leads to offer. Many of us desire to make a social impact, perhaps by supporting an indigent student, a local NGO near our homes or a waste collection effort. What is perhaps not entirely evident is that becoming an organic food consumer is perhaps the most sustained contribution we could make to the environment and, on a larger and broader canvas, to society.
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First Post
07-06-2025
- Health
- First Post
What's really on your plate? How pesticide residues could increase your cancer risk
Scientific studies link long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food with increased cancer risk, especially for vulnerable groups. Experts highlight the importance of washing produce, choosing organic options and advocating safer farming. Policy reforms and farmer education are crucial for reducing pesticide misuse and ensuring food safety, protecting both health and the environment. read more Scientific evidence indicates that long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food can increase the risk of certain cancers, say leading medical and agricultural experts. While the risk to a single consumer from low-level exposure is generally low, chronic consumption, especially of produce with high pesticide loads can have cumulative health effects. Explaning the complex relationship between pesticide residues and cancer risk. Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, (Gurugram), said, 'Yes, scientific research indicates a potential relationship between chronic exposure to certain pesticide residues in food and the heightened risk of developing some forms of cancer,' he told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'While risk to a single consumer from low-level exposure via diet is generally found to be low, chronic consumption over years, particularly of commodities with high pesticide loads, can cumulatively lead to health problems.' Pesticides, he said, are intended to kill or repel pests, but some chemical constituents can disrupt biological processes in humans. 'Some pesticides are endocrine disruptors, genotoxic (toxic to DNA), or immunotoxic, which can cause cellular alterations and enhance cancer risk in the long run.' He pointed out that the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has categorised several pesticides as 'possibly' or 'probably' carcinogenic to humans based on epidemiological and animal evidence. Dr. Rohatgi added that certain groups—farm workers and people living in high pesticide-use areas face increased risk through direct occupational exposure. 'For the general population, particularly when exposure is through food residues, the evidence continues to be investigated, and the risk, although real, is still regarded as relatively modest compared to other cancer risks such as tobacco smoking, alcohol, obesity, and infectious agents.' He identified specific pesticides linked to carcinogenicity: Glyphosate, a widespread herbicide, is classified by IARC as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2A) based on its association with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in occupational exposures. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded it is not carcinogenic at dietary exposure levels, a point of ongoing scientific debate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malathion and Diazinon, both organophosphate insecticides, are classified as 'probably carcinogenic' by IARC, with malathion linked to prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chlorpyrifos, another organophosphate insecticide, is under regulatory scrutiny for developmental and neurological toxicity, though it is not formally classified as carcinogenic by IARC. DDT, although banned in most countries, still persists environmentally and is considered 'probably carcinogenic' by IARC with links to liver and breast cancers. 'Trace amounts of these pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and cereals depending on agricultural practices and regulatory standards in different countries,' said Dr. Rohatgi. On practical steps, Dr. Rohatgi advised consumers to minimize pesticide exposure with several measures. 'Rinse fruits and vegetables well—running water can remove surface residues. Soaking produce in a baking soda solution (1 tsp per 2 cups of water) for 10–15 minutes might take away even more residues.' He recommended peeling certain items such as apples, cucumbers, and potatoes, though he noted this may reduce nutrient content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also suggested buying organic produce when possible, especially for items on the 'Dirty Dozen' list known for high pesticide residues, such as strawberries, spinach, and apples. Diversifying one's diet and consulting local pesticide residue reports from food safety agencies are further ways to reduce risk. 'Finally,' he said, 'promoting safer agriculture practices such as integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming, along with stricter pesticide regulations, can lead to long-term improvements.' Dr. Pushpinder Gulia, Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Oncosurgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, echoed these concerns. 'Long-term exposure to certain pesticide residues in food has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in several epidemiological and laboratory studies,' he said. He emphasised that while regulatory bodies set maximum residue limits (MRLs) considered 'safe,' cumulative exposure can still pose risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and farmworkers. Dr. Gulia highlighted commonly found pesticides with carcinogenic potential: 'Glyphosate is used in crops like corn and soy; chlorpyrifos is an insecticide in fruits and vegetables; malathion and diazinon are insecticides used in agriculture; and atrazine is a herbicide used in corn fields.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He advised consumers to make smart food choices: 'Buy organic, particularly for high-residue items. Choose locally grown produce from smaller farms that often use fewer chemicals. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly—washing under running water helps, and peeling removes residues but also some nutrients.' For washing, Dr. Gulia recommended 'soaking in a 10% vinegar solution or baking soda wash (1 tsp baking soda per 2 cups water) for 15 minutes to remove surface residues.' He added that cooking or blanching may reduce some residues but can also diminish nutrients. To further reduce risks, he urged diet diversification: 'Rotate the types and sources of produce to avoid repeated exposure to the same pesticides and balance nutrient intake.' On the regulatory and policy front, Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, said India needs a robust policy framework to monitor and regulate pesticide use effectively. 'Modernising the outdated Insecticides Act of 1968 is critical to align regulations with current scientific knowledge and pest control methods,' he said. 'Strengthening registration and licensing with rigorous health and environmental risk assessments will help remove dangerous, spurious, and unapproved products.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr. Agarwal stressed the importance of strict penalties to discourage violations and the immediate phase-out of extremely hazardous pesticides, especially those banned internationally. He cautioned against misconceptions that scientifically approved pesticides inherently cause cancer. 'The threat comes from misuse, unapproved products, or excessive application, not from proper use of qualified products.' He called for farmer education on safe pesticide handling, integrated pest management, and bio-pesticides. 'Effective enforcement, transparent labeling, availability of protective equipment, and stakeholder coordination are essential to protect health and make agriculture sustainable.' Dr. Agarwal also emphasised training dealers and distributors to promote responsible pesticide use and provide accurate recommendations to farmers, ensuring safety in the field.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pesticide in food that's 'making America sick again' may get free pass
A bill waiting on the desk of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has drawn criticism from those supporting the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, who claim it would impede lawsuits against pesticide companies. Georgia SB 144 would "clarify that a manufacturer cannot be held liable for failing to warn consumers of health risks above those required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency with respect to pesticides," reads the bill. Emma Post, a spokesperson for MAHA Action based in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital, "The bill is literally making America sick again." 'Food Is Medicine' Takes Shape As Rfk Jr. Praises School Menu Changes In West Virginia The legislation comes as Bayer Monsanto, producer of the Roundup weed killer, was ordered last week by a Georgia jury to pay nearly $2.1 billion in damages to a man who says the product caused his cancer, according to reports. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been a vocal critic of Roundup, working with his legal team in 2018 to award $289 million to a man who alleged the weed killer caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Read On The Fox News App Glyphosate, a pesticide used in products such as Roundup, has been shown to raise cancer risk in studies. In a study published in the journal Mutation Research, University of Washington researchers found that exposure to the pesticide raises the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%. Kelly Ryerson, founder of Glyphosate Facts and owner of the Instagram account @glyphosategirl, told Fox News Digital that her journey researching the herbicide began with her own health struggles. For more Health articles, visit Ryerson, who is based in California, previously struggled with chronic illness and autoimmune issues, which she said improved when she stopped eating gluten. After attending a medical conference at Columbia University's Celiac Disease Center, Ryerson began to question modern farming practices rather than the gluten itself. "A lot of times, farmers are spraying Roundup on our grains right before harvest to facilitate an easier harvest," said Ryerson. "After that easier harvest, because everything's dry at the same time, those crops go directly to the mill and may end up in our food supply, at really alarmingly high levels." Ryerson said she has been advocating against "pesticide liability shields" such as the bill in Georgia. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "This is a terrifying thing." She added, "All of those victims will not be able to sue." Amid concerns about fertility, Ryerson said she brought three sperm samples to a lab to be tested, and glyphosate was present. "It crosses the blood-test barrier. It is also shown to kill sperm," she cautioned. "So now when you're eating that every single day, which we all are, because it's ubiquitous — it's in the water. It's in the food, it's in the air. We can't avoid it." Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals have found that glyphosate can harm sperm quality. Everything To Know About Maha Farmers Dana and Lauren Cavalea of Freedom Farms in Greene, New York, told Fox News Digital that they don't use any chemicals in their fields. "We use the animals to restore and regenerate the land," said Lauren Cavalea. "[There are] other things that are outside of our control," Dana Cavalea added. For instance, "if you have folks nearby who are using chemicals … there's a chance they [will] get into your ground." He went on, "You have a lot of people who are financially distressed, trying to keep their farms going. In order to create max production, we have to use these remedies that have been provided to us in order to create mass production." Utah Bans Fluoride From Public Drinking Water, Aligning With Maha Movement He noted that it is a complicated yet simple system, and that he hopes to see things change amid the MAHA movement. A spokesperson for Monsanto/Bayer — maker of Roundup — said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the verdict in the recent Georgia case "conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies and their scientific assessments worldwide." Following scientific assessments in 2023, the European Union Commission re-approved glyphosate for another 10 years. "We continue to stand fully behind the safety of Roundup products — critical tools that farmers rely on to produce affordable food and feed the world," added the Monsanto spokesperson. Fox News Digital reached out to the EPA and Gov. Kemp's office for article source: Pesticide in food that's 'making America sick again' may get free pass
