Ban on Ethephon use is requisite to protect public health

Zafar Bhat. Dated: 9/25/2017 12:06:34 PM

Zafar Bhat
Jammu, Sep 24
Despite the ban on Ethephon us, many vendors still practices to use an ethephon dip for fruit ripening, as it is the most widely used plant growth regulator which allows an earlier maturity of the fruit. But at the same time, it carries high level of toxicity which requires complete ban and up to fines for those who use it
However, regularly surprise inspections would assist in investigating the presence of formalin and ethephon in some fruits viz. Apple, Banana and Mango collected from local markets so that general public could be saved from harmful effects of ethephon.
Notably, some serious effects are more common which includes mild to moderate oral toxicity, Patients with mild ingestions may only develop irritation or Grade I (superficial hyperemia and oedema) burns of the oropharynx, oesophagus or stomach; acute or chronic complications are unlikely.
Particularly used on wheat, coffee, tobacco, cotton, and rice in order to help the plant's fruit reach ripeness more quickly by producers for making an excellent income.
Thus, besides promoting the use of new technologies and better farming practices, it is requisite to implement the ban on the sale of Ethepon, besides surprise inspections to check the quality of pesticides and fungicides across the state and organizing mass awareness among growers.
It is for the concerned departments to conduct the surprise markets checks across the State to check the sale of misbranded pesticides; samples have been lifted and sent to different labs.
The violators of law and the producers who use ethephon should be punished by taking appropriate action in this regard. Whereas the names of manufacturers and dealers ought to be published from whom misbranded pesticides are seized to create public awareness about this menace.
However, it is for the state government to issue directions to concerned Deputy Commissioners for conducting joint awareness camps especially in the interior areas of Districts.
Pertinently, the government has to undertake a holistic programme for ensuring the equitable and sustainable development of horticulture sector in the state. While the officials need to work together with farmers for promoting the use of new technologies and better farming practices and for conducting awareness camps at Zonal as well as district level.

 

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