Farmers of the district who have plans to cultivate paddy, sugarcane and pulses have been urged to get proper advice from the officials of the Department of Agriculture on the quantity of pesticides to be used in their lands in case of pest attack and diseases in standing crops.
In a statement, L. Perumal, Joint Director of Agriculture, said that paddy, millets, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane and other crops were being cultivated during the ‘pisanam’ season as northeast monsoon had become active. The prevailing climate was conducive for pest attack and consequent disease outbreak in crops.
When pest or disease attack was noticed, farmers should consult the Deputy Agricultural Officers, Agricultural Officers or Assistant Directors of Agriculture to get appropriate control measures and the right quantum of pesticides.
“Farmers can also consult the Assistant Agricultural Officers who visit their villages periodically and get correct recommendation,” he said.
“If it was done, the farmers can reduce plant protection expenses and pest or disease will be controlled without any resurgence,” Mr. Perumal said.
He also instructed pesticide dealers to give proper bills to the farmers after getting signatures of the farmers in the bills being given for sale of pesticide or fertilizer. A separate information board for pesticides should also be displayed in front of each shop, he said.
The information board should contain updated stock position of pesticides and correct prices. The level of toxicity of pesticides should also be mentioned in the bills. The pesticides should not be sold beyond the maximum retail price. Pesticides, which had crossed the expiry date, should not be sold or kept in the shop.
The details of pesticides banned should also be explained to the farmers while selling the pesticides.
“Anyone violating these instructions will have to face stringent action under the Insecticides Act, 1968,” Mr. Perumal warned.
Source : The Hindu
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