Karnataka follows Kerala, bans pesticide 'endosulfan'

The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to ban the use of the controversial pesticide endosulfan following reports that it caused physical deformities among farmers in coastal areas.

"It is a temporary ban for 60 days. Of course, we have appealed to the centre for a permanent ban as early as possible," minister for higher education V S Acharya said while briefing reporters on state cabinet decisions in Bangalore.

Karnataka's stand, however, seems contrary to that of the union government, which has been battling pressure from the European Union to ban the pesticide. Alongside other countries with a large agrarian base, including the US, it argued against the ban at the sixth meeting of the persistent organic pollutants review committee to the Stockholm Convention in Geneva in October.

Acharya said the ministers took note of reports of physical deformities caused by the pesticide among those tending cashew crops in areas such as Belthangady, Puttur and Bantwal in coastal Karnataka and surrounding regions. "The impact is severe on humans, animals and birds due to aerial spraying of endosulfan," he added.

He clarified that the ban was not limited to aerial spraying of the pesticide by also its use in farms. Kerala has banned the pesticide completely. "After two months, we will extend the ban for another 60 days. This is the initial process we have to follow to ban the chemical permanently in the state," Acharya added.

Speaking to reporters later, state minister for food and civil supplies Shobha Karandlaje, who is from Dakshina Kannada district which has seen the maximum number of victims endosulfan of poisoning, welcomed the decision of the state cabinet.