Reacting to concerns about excessive use of pesticides on vegetable and fruit farms in Tamil Nadu, the state agricultural department has decided to impose restrictions on sale of pesticides and insecticides by private outlets.

Farmers, hereafter, will have to produce `prescriptions’ or recommendations from local horticultural or agricultural officers to purchase pesticides from dealers. A formal order is expected soon. “Though the majority of farmers consult our field officers, insistence on prescriptions to purchase pesticides will heighten accountability, both that of our officials and farmers,“ said a senior official...........Read more

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