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Context: Punjab State Government has issued a warning to all pesticide sellers to stop selling and storing the herbicide glyphosate, which is known to cause cancer.

Details

• Glyphosate is primarily used as a herbicide to control weeds in various settings, including agriculture, forestry, urban areas, and gardens. It is valued for its effectiveness in eliminating a wide range of plant species.

Primary applications of glyphosate

• Agriculture: Glyphosate is a popular herbicide in agriculture due to its ability to control weeds that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. It's used in both conventional and genetically modified (GM) crops to enhance crop yields by reducing weed competition. Glyphosate-resistant GM crops have been engineered to tolerate glyphosate application, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming their crops.
• Non-Agricultural Settings: Glyphosate is also utilized in non-agricultural settings to manage vegetation in areas like roadsides, industrial sites, and residential lawns. Its effectiveness in killing a wide range of plants makes it suitable for maintaining areas where plant growth is undesirable.
• GM Crops: Genetically modified crops that are engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, often referred to as Roundup Ready crops, have become increasingly popular. These crops have been genetically modified to have a specific enzyme that glyphosate targets, allowing them to survive glyphosate application while surrounding weeds are eliminated. This makes weed management more convenient for farmers using glyphosate as a herbicide.

Concerns associated with glyphosate's impact

Health Concerns

• The potential health impacts of glyphosate have been a subject of debate and research. Some studies have suggested a link between glyphosate exposure and various health issues, including cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as mentioned earlier, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. However, other regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have maintained that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans when used according to approved guidelines. The scientific community continues to evaluate and discuss the available evidence to better understand the potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure.

Environmental Impact

• Glyphosate's potential environmental impact stems from its broad-spectrum nature and its tendency to leach into soil and water systems. It can affect non-target plants, aquatic organisms, and soil microorganisms. This can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity, as plants that provide habitat and food for various species can be affected by glyphosate exposure. There are also concerns about the long-term effects of glyphosate on soil health and microbial communities, which play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Glyphosate Resistance

• Prolonged and widespread use of glyphosate has led to the development of glyphosate-resistant weed species, a phenomenon often referred to as "glyphosate resistance." This occurs when weeds that are repeatedly exposed to glyphosate develop genetic mutations that allow them to survive exposure. Glyphosate-resistant weeds can spread and become a significant challenge for farmers, as they undermine the effectiveness of glyphosate as a weed management tool. This resistance issue has highlighted the importance of diversified weed management strategies to prevent overreliance on a single herbicide.

Way forward for addressing glyphosate-related challenges

• Integrated Weed Management: Diversifying weed management practices reduce the risk of developing glyphosate-resistant weeds and promote sustainable agriculture by minimizing herbicide reliance. Combining various strategies ensures a more resilient and effective approach to weed control.
• Research: Continued research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of glyphosate's effects on human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Long-term studies can help provide clearer insights into potential risks and guide decision-making.
• Regulation: Regulatory decisions should be evidence-based and consider the latest scientific findings. Collaborative efforts among regulatory agencies can help establish consistent guidelines and safety standards for glyphosate use.
• Transparency and Labeling: Clear and accurate labelling of products containing glyphosate enables consumers to make informed choices and use these products responsibly. Labelling can also help minimize unintentional exposures.
• Alternative Herbicides: Developing and promoting alternatives to glyphosate that have lower environmental and health risks can provide options for weed control while reducing dependency on a single herbicide.
• Education and Awareness: Educating those who use glyphosate, including farmers, applicators, and the general public, about proper application techniques, safety precautions, and potential risks fosters responsible use and reduces potential harm.
• Global Collaboration: Collaborative efforts among countries can lead to standardized regulations and guidelines for glyphosate use. Sharing data and experiences can contribute to a more informed and consistent approach to managing this herbicide.

Conclusion

• The warning issued by the Punjab State Government to stop selling and storing herbicide glyphosate is a welcome step towards protecting public health and the environment from the carcinogenic effects of this chemical. However, more needs to be done at the national level to ensure that glyphosate is banned or restricted across India. India should follow the example of other countries like France, Germany, Austria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc., that have banned or phased out glyphosate in recent years. India should also promote organic farming and alternative weed control methods that are safe for humans and nature

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Glyphosate: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/glyphosate

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the concerns regarding the effects of pesticides on the environment and human health? What are the major challenges associated with pesticide use, and what potential strategies could be considered as a way forward to mitigate these concerns and challenges?

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/experts-warn-against-sale-of-herbicide-glyphosate-534609