Pesticides Use in Salt Range Wetland Complex, Pakistan

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Pesticides Use in Salt Range Wetland Complex,
Pakistan

• Fauzia Khan

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Introduction Background

• Exposure to pesticides is a major occupational
  hazard in developing countries, where pesticides
  include banned items that have serious influences
  on environmental health, biodiversity, and
  exposed human societies.

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Pakistans Salt Range Wetlands
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Pesticide Imports Pakistan

• WWF Pakistan

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Methods and Materials

• The study was conducted to look into the local
  farmers knowledge and practices with regards to
  pesticide use in catchments areas of Khabbeki and
  Ucchali Lakes.
• 32 farmers were interviewed using a semi
  structured questionnaire.
• Hospital records
• Interviews with Govt. rep./ local NGOs.
• Samples from 12 wells for nitrates
  phosphates.  

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Current Situation
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Results

• Excessive use on off-season cash crops
• 78 of the farmers sprayed the crops while
  other farmers were working
• 59 and 38 stored pesticides in the farm and
  homes respectively. 
• 22 buried the empty containers in land, 16
  burnt while 63 left them in the fields.
• The nitrates were as high as 36.76(mg/l)
• 13 cases of severe acute poisoning in 2 years

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Results

• Lack of information, poverty, low literacy, and
  education levels of the rural population, poor
  working conditions, inadequate protection from
  pesticide exposure are some of the reasons why
  poisonous chemicals result in severe impacts on
  human health.

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Conclusion

• The study population, using low-technology
  equipment and no individual protection are at
  high risk of pesticide exposure. The farmers
  practices are harmful to themselves and community
  at large. 

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Recommendations/Further Action

• Safe, cost-effective operationally acceptable
  pesticides.
• Educational  technical support that takes into
  account cultural and socioeconomic aspects is
  required.
• Address the gap of agriculture extension
  services.
• Trainings of farmers on proper protection during
  application of pesticides
• Provision of safety equipments as CSR by the
  pesticide manufacturers.
• Enforcement of good agricultural practices
  governmental involvement is required to reduce
  exposure

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• Thank You