Multi-level approach recommended to deal with pesticide residue

The phasing out of chemicals and pesticides, especially in the farm level, has to be in a very systematic manner with a well-defined moratorium of freeing farming from all these harmful substances, said Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) director V Prakash.

Referring to the improper use of pesticides, which had resulted in the development of resistance among insects, resurgence of insects and residue problems, leading to toxicity to natural enemies and environment, Prakash told Business Standard. “How does one ensure proper use of pesticides or chemicals is indeed a challenging problem for the manufacturers of pesticides, its distributors and users in general and the food technologists, industrialists and consumers at large.”

“Though it is very heartening that consumption of pesticides has come down in India, what is very important is the residues that still remain”, he said, after the conclusion of the five-day International Food Convention at the CFTRI.

Calling for a holistic perspective to the entire issue, he suggested India to look at its own model. Look at the previous years’ history, set benchmarks and ensure there are less chemicals and pesticides in the food chain, as we go forward towards healthy and wellness foods, he said.

Comparing the pesticide use and consumption per capita to different countries, whose agricultural practices and their country sizes are different, he said it is very vital that India should have its own model. India is a large country with multiple crops and multiple biodiversity, obviously having multiple pests and plants, which are resistant to certain pests. It requires a strategic “multi model approach” to ensure that there is less loss due to natural attacks by pests, apart from harvesting, transportation or storage losses, he said.

Tracing a positive aspect, he suggested taking advantage of nature itself, especially microorganisms, and some enzymes which nature itself produces in the soil, and other natural resources.

“With these, we must ensure that pesticides biologically are reduced to more non-toxic products. India has today that capacity through its new innovative biotechnologies and mechanisms to address this very important problem of eco-assisted degradation of pesticides,” the head of the Mysore-based food research institute said.

However, the CFTRI chief had a word of caution. As India has a large amount of crop diversity, different methodology in cultivation, seasonal variation, use of water, harvesting and storage, transportation and market-reach, he said all these need consideration while preparing a single package on individual commodity basis.