Rajshahi: Social watchdogs and development activists at a street-corner meeting here today unequivocally called for drastic action against marketing and selling of highly hazardous pesticides to protect farmers' health, biodiversity, and future generations. They highlighted the significant health and environmental risks from the widespread use of hazardous pesticides in the Barind area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting organized by Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) at Saheb Bazar Zero point, aimed to press home their four-point demands to mark World Pesticide Free Day 2025. The event, supported by Green Coalition, Barendra Unnayan Forum (BUF), Youth Action for Social Change (YASC), and Barendra Youth Organizations, focused on the theme 'Pesticides are a dead end for civilization'. This day commemorates the 1984 Bhopal chemical disaster and advocates for a future free from the toxic effects of hazardous pesticides.
Shahidul Islam, Regional Coordinator of BARCIK, presented the theme paper, illustrating various impacts of using highly hazardous pesticides. He noted that widespread and often unregulated use of these pesticides in agriculture poses a serious threat to public health and the environment in the region, especially in the Barind area.
He emphasized that many grassroots-level farmers frequently experience acute health problems, such as sneezing, skin rashes, dizziness, and headaches during pesticide application. "Long-term exposure to pesticides has been linked to chronic health conditions, including cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive issues," he stated.
YASC General Secretary Atikur Rahman expressed concerns about pesticide residues in food, particularly vegetables, posing significant risks to consumers. He pointed out that many farmers do not adhere to the recommended withdrawal periods before harvesting, which increases risks, especially to children and pregnant women due to the bioaccumulative nature of these chemicals. He added that pesticides often kill non-target organisms, leading to disruptions in the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Upen Rabidas highlighted the issue of pesticide runoff contaminating surface and groundwater, impacting drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems. He warned that persistent pesticide presence in soil is affecting soil health and hampering plant growth. Referring to the Barind region, a major agricultural zone in Rajshahi, he noted a decline in groundwater levels due to excessive irrigation, exacerbated by chemical inputs like pesticides. Crops such as beans and eggplants are particularly prone to pesticide overuse in this area, he added.
In his remarks, Mahmud Jamal Kadery emphasized the importance of raising awareness among farmers about the risks of pesticide misuse and promoting safe handling practices. He called for stricter enforcement of regulations concerning pesticide application and withdrawal periods. He also advocated for promoting integrated pest management (IPM) and other eco-friendly farming practices to reduce reliance on hazardous pesticides.
"Regular monitoring of pesticide levels in food, water, and soil, alongside further research on long-term health impacts, is essential," stated Subhash Chandra Hembrom. Highlighting a major concern, he revealed that many banned pesticides are still available in local markets, often sold under new names. "Farmers and even pesticide dealers are often unaware that they are using or selling banned substances," he added.