This is in response to 'No pesticides' (Down To Earth, May 31, 2006). It is very heartening to know that farmers are cultivating crops without using pesticides. This changing trend in agricultural practice will provide sustainable produce for our future generations. Participation of women is also encouraging.
Since non-pesticidal management (npm) has proved its efficacy, agriculturists and concerned ministries should join hands and assist farmers to maintain this practice and ensure a toxic-free environment for all.
In the present scenario of ecological imbalance and environment pollution, it is imperative that npm be implemented with full zest throughout the country.
I am a student of Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Trees are being felled indiscriminately in our university. The reason that the authorities give is that they want to broaden roads. The fact is that the roads are quite broad already.
There is very little protest against this destruction of the green cover because there is no organised student union through which we can raise our voice. This issue needs publicising.
Down To Earth welcomes letters, responses and other contributions from readers. We particularly welcome you to join issues and share your opinion with others. Send to Sunita Narain, Editor, Down To Earth , 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi - 110 062. Email: editor@downtoearth.org.in ...
Pick of the postbag
Wheat import unnecessary This is in response to 'Wheat and chaff' (Down To Earth, May 15, 2006). Pesticide content in Australian wheat is high; in fact, it is 50 times higher than the permissible limit. Such wheat would be sold via fair price shops, normally purchased by people living below poverty line. Consumption of such wheat may lead to health problems as well. Besides, Indian farmers are being paid much lesser than the import price. It makes sense to pay them the equal price. In addition, the Food Corporation of India had adequate stocks of surplus wheat, with a surplus stock of 50 mt, to meet any emergency needs. Hence, the move by the agriculture minister to import Australian wheat is not justified.
