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National Research Centre for Cashew Kindly refer to your letter No.CS/co2/00 01 dated the 17th January, 2001 and the discussion which we had at Cashew Research Station ( KAU ) , Madakkathara regarding the concern raised by Mr . Aravinda, Y., Chairman, Endosulfan Spray Protest Action Committee, Padre, Kasaragod district regarding the endosulfan aerial spraying taken up by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited, Kasaragod . As you are aware, research on Tea Mosquito Bug and other foliage and inflorescence pests of cashew which cause severe damage was taken up seriously in the early 1970s and recommendation was formulated based on the field trials with Endosulfan , three sprays ( @ 0.05 % for ground spray and 0.1 % for the aerial spray ) during flushing , flowering , flowering and fruiting . However, in the recent years, we have been emphasizing the rationalization of pesticide use and only need based pest control is recommended for adoption. We have also advised the Corporations to take up only one spray just before the flowering to protect the crop. Even while advocating aerial spraying for coverage of large areas under Forest Plantations ' in unhabitated areas ' necessary guidelines were issued for environmental protection. I am enclosing a copy of the letter addressed way-back on 26th December, 1997 to the Manager, The Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited, Kasaragod, on the precautions to be taken up while taking up aerial spraying. We have also scanned the available literature on Endosulfan toxicity by both manufacturers of the chemicals and also various independent investigators. While the chemical firm strongly contends that Endosulfan is low risk chemical with least adverse affects and safe for honey-bees, the data generated by independent investigators does indicate the toxicity to mammals, birds , fish , etc. These reports have to be reviewed in the context of use of Endosulfan all over the world. Endosulfan is recommended for number of field crops as well as vegetables which are used in the daily consumption by human-beings. Further, except abnormal incidence of some of the ailments listed in Mr.Aravinda's letter in Padre village , no other reports are available from other cashew growing states in the country . However, I do agree that this does warrant a serious concern for resolving the toxic effects of the use of Endosulfan. I am forwarding the letter of Mr. Aravinda, to the Plant Protection Adviser, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation), Faridabad ( Haryana) for seeking his advise and also for his guidance . In the meantime, taking a safe approach , we should dispense with the aerial spraying as obviously the corporation is not able to meet the safety measures indicated on the contamination of water , etc., in the area . It may also be pointed out that during 1976 - 1977 when the aerial spraying trials were conducted in the very same plantations of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala , number of wells and human dwellings were much less than which are present today . Therefore , considering the concern expressed by the people and also as a safety measure , please do advice all the Corporations in the country to suspend ndosulfan aerial spraying till conclusive evidence on the safety of aerial spraying of Endosulfan is confirmed . However, we shall await the advice of Plant Protection Adviser on the use of endosulfan in ground spraying .
With Best Regards, Copy with compliments to:
Copy to:
Copy with compliments to: Mr.Aravinda Y .,Chairman , Endosulfan Spray Protest Action Committee , PADRE , YEDAMALE , POST PADRE , VIA PERLA 671552 , Kasaragod Dist ., Kerala, along with a copy of this office letter dated 26th December , 1997 , addressed to the Manager , The Plntation Corporation of Kerala Limited , Kasaragod. |
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