Words Vikas Parashram Meshram
India is an agrarian country, but today Indian agriculture is facing a significant threat. The continuous use of various types of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is leading to soil degradation, while simultaneously causing several hazardous health issues. A recent report indicates that 30% of the country’s land is on the brink of becoming infertile. The primary reason for this is the indiscriminate use of urea, which was once considered a sure method to increase production during the Green Revolution.
Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle
Excessive use of urea is disrupting the nitrogen cycle. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is eliminating beneficial insects essential for agriculture. The ongoing depletion of organic matter in the soil is a major concern for the agricultural sector. Moreover, chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides are contaminating our food and vegetables, leading to various health problems.
Challenges for Farmers
Farmers need to be aware that without chemical fertilizers, farming is becoming increasingly difficult in many parts of the country, causing harm to both farmers and consumers. If farmers continue using chemical fertilizers in this manner, the day is not far when the land itself will become unfit for agriculture. Currently, farmers are paying less attention to animal husbandry due to high costs, lack of space, and the problem of green fodder, which has resulted in a decrease in animal farming alongside crop cultivation. Consequently, the availability of organic fertilizers like manure and green manure is uncertain, leading to a deficiency of nutrients in the soil and a continuous reduction in its water retention capacity, making it more brittle.
The Impact of Indiscriminate Fertilizer Use
It is true that chemical fertilizers are crucial for the profitable production of commercial crops, but their indiscriminate use is highly detrimental to our soils. Farmers are using large quantities of fertilizers without realizing that excess nitrogen in the soil can lead to the death of fish in nearby water bodies. Farmers need to understand that increasing production is not enough; a return to traditional farming methods is essential. To increase the organic content of the soil, farmers should use manure and cow urine, which contain all the nutrients needed to make the soil fertile. Organic fertilizers, derived from natural substances, are necessary to replenish the soil and maintain its health.
Government Support for Organic Farming
Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are significantly damaging soil fertility, biodiversity, and environmental purity. Therefore, both central and state governments are not only encouraging but also providing various facilities to promote organic farming. However, the high cost of organic produce makes its sale limited. The government needs to address this issue to help control the use of chemicals and protect biodiversity by safeguarding animals and birds from diseases.
The Pervasive Presence of Pesticide Residues
Even though organic farming products are available, every consumable item often contains pesticide residues. Scientists claim that pesticide use has poisoned the country’s environment, water, and food, leading to physical, mental health issues, and disabilities. According to studies from AIIMS, pesticides used in households for pest control have a significant impact on children under 14 years of age.
Lack of Awareness Among Educated Households
Interestingly, even educated households lack awareness in this regard. Expensive fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, mangoes, brinjals, ladyfingers, etc., are treated with pesticides, sometimes in multiple layers, to make them look appealing. Pesticides and fertilizers are causing severe negative impacts on life, the environment, biodiversity, and agricultural lands. For instance, during 2013-14, pesticides were used on around 9 million hectares of land, which increased to over 9.4 million hectares by 2017-18. Additionally, the use of pesticides in fruit orchards and medicinal plants has also risen, making it impossible to find any fruit or medicinal plant free from toxic chemicals.
Decline in Food Quality
Pesticide use is affecting essential components in food grains and fruits, leading to a decline in quality. New diseases are emerging, and premature aging is becoming common. Excessive use of chemicals in the name of water purification is also problematic. In several cities, drinking water contains traces of DDT and BSG. In Maharashtra, samples of bottled milk contained DDT and aldrin in amounts ranging from 4.8 to 6.3 parts per million.
Questions About Biodiversity Protection
The increasing use of pesticides is raising questions about the protection of biodiversity. Research indicates that regions with high pesticide usage have seen the permanent extinction of numerous plant and insect species over the past 50 years. The environment in these areas has become so polluted that respiratory, skin, heart, and neurological disorders are becoming common. According to renowned scientists, environmentalists, and doctors, pesticide application on tomatoes, brinjals, and apples adversely affects kidneys, lungs, nervous system, digestive organs, and the brain.
Impact on Children’s Development
Contaminated drinking water and food are extremely harmful to the physical and mental development of children. It is alarming that not only farmers and industrialists but also so-called scientists are involved in this issue, yet they compromise on water and food purity. The impact of pesticides is leading to families suffering from serious health issues. If every consumable item contains pesticides, it raises the question of where to source organic food. Additionally, if attempts are made to use more expensive organic food, it remains inaccessible to the poor.
Environmental Pollution from Chemical Fertilizers
One problem with chemical fertilizers is that they leach into groundwater and other water sources, causing environmental pollution. Elements such as nitrogen, sulfur, ammonia, copper, urea, uric acid, phosphate, sodium, potassium, manganese, and organic acids found in manure and compost are beneficial for soil fertility. They help retain moisture and prevent soil hardening.
The Need for Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
Farmers must understand the hidden dangers of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We must not only save our agriculture but also protect other living beings and the environment on Earth. It is imperative that our farmers shift towards environmentally friendly farming practices and gradually reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, embracing traditional organic farming methods.
About the Author
Vikas Parasram Meshram is a social worker working for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities.
Views are personal.
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