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Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar

4 antibiotics being used as crop pesticides: Agri Minister

Rohit Shishodia
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has told Parliament that Aureofungin, Kasugamycin, Validamycin and Streptomycin+ Tetracycline combination are antibiotics registered under the Insecticides Act 1968 for use as pesticides to combat certain fungal and bacterial diseases in plants.

It may be noted that recently a study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab revealed that farmers are using combinations of streptomycin, a drug for treating TB in humans, to grow fruits, vegetables and rice.   

Replying to questions of use of antibiotics in crops, Tomar added, “The use of these pesticides is regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the rules framed thereunder. While registering the pesticide, the label and leaflets are also approved which contain the details of crop, disease/pest against which it is recommended, dose rate, directions about use, chemical composition, toxicity triangle, precautions for use and packaging specifications.

Tomar pointed out that pesticides are toxic substances but they do not pose any adverse effect on human beings, animals and the environment if they are used as per the label and leaflet approved by the Registration Committee.

“Pesticides are registered for use in the country by the Registration Committee only after satisfying about their efficacy and safety to human health, animals and environment,” he added.


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