Karnataka ban on Endosulfan ignores scientific evidence: Rana

Yesterday’s decision by the government of Karnataka to a 60 day temporary ban on the sale and consumption of Endosulfan has evoked strong protests from the farmer leaders, industry bodies, scientists, etc. from across various parts of the country.

Reacting sharply to the decision to ban one of the most popular pesticides Endosulfan, Mr. Rajendra Sinh Rana, the MP from Gujarat has denounced it as the one that appears to have been made under pressure from vested interests including certain environmental groups. Mr. Rana also claimed it the decision ignores all available scientific evidence and lamented on the fact that the biggest victims of this decision would be the farmers of Karnataka.

Mr. Rana also reminded the Karnataka government that the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka had accepted the report that was tabled on 14th April 2005. The report, created by the Expert Committee comprising of Director of Health, Director of Agriculture and Scientists from Karnataka Agriculture University, had conducted an indepth study at the Baithlangady taluka on the health problems reported from the area. The report had categorically absolved Endosulfan from any linkage with the problems reported in that region. “How can the Karnataka government disregard such a report which was also accepted by the Legislative Assembly?” asked Mr. Rana, who is a MP from Bhavnagar, a predominantly agriculture based region in Gujarat.