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Way out:Punjab Agricultural University has recommended alternative agrochemicals to control pests.PTIPTI
Amid reports that several samples of basmati rice contained the residue of certain pesticides above the maximum residue level (MRL), a potential constraint in its export, the Punjab government has decided to ban the use of 10 of these formulations for 60 days from Friday.
The State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, in its notification, said the State government believed that the sale, stock distribution, and use of Acephate, Buprofezin, Chloropyriphos, Methamidophos, Propiconazole, Thiamethoxam, Profenofos, Isoprothiolane, Carbendazim, and Tricyclazole was not in the interest of basmati rice growers.
It is said that there is a risk of breaching the MRL fixed by the competent authority for basmati rice. Besides, the Punjab Agricultural University has recommended alternative agrochemicals to control pests on the basmati crop in Punjab.
Pointing out that the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association had also reported that several samples got tested by them contained the residue value of these pesticides above the MRL in basmati rice, the notification said the association had requested the ban of these agrochemicals to save the State’s basmati produce and to ensure its hassle-free export.
Alternatives to the said insecticides are available in the market, it added.
