Lack of campaigns, poor monitoring reasons

Excessive use of chemicals and pesticides in farming and gardens is the result of poor campaigning and monitoring by the authorities, said speakers at a discussion in Rajshahi yesterday.

The Rajshahi chapter of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (Bela) organised the discussion on "Use of pesticides, chemical fertilisers: its impacts and responsibilities" at a restaurant in the city. 

The speakers put forward 12 recommendations to reduce the use of chemicals, including intensive campaigns and control of sale of chemicals.

Reading the keynote paper, Rajshahi University Prof Mostafijur Rahman said 94 percent of farmers use various harmful pesticides for their crops without proper knowledge. 

Mokhles Ali, a mango grower and trader, said he suffered losses last year due to the intensive campaign against formalin use.

He added that no official advised him on use of chemicals in growing mangoes. 

Attending the discussion as the chief guest, Hazrat Ali, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Extension, said they lack manpower to assist farmers and fruit growers.

He said the department has one officer for every 10,000 growers.

Kamaruzzaman, chief scientific officer of Soil Resources Development Institute in Rajshahi, said the soil has been losing nutrients and organic matter due to excessive use of chemicals.

Dr Alim Uddin, chief scientific officer at Fruit Research Centre, among others, spoke.