Environmental impact of pesticides and other concerns related to their use in vegetable production in the Philippines
1995
Sumalde, A.C. (Philippines Univ., Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Dept. of Entomology)
Pesticides play an important role in vegetable production in the Philippines. They practically serve as the primary, if not the sole weapon of the Filipino farmers in their war against pests and diseases of vegetables. Undeniably, pesticides in many instances, accord protection to most crops against the ravages of pests and diseases, if used judiciously. However, because of their toxicity, persistence, and other inherent characteristics, confounded by abuses and carelessness of the end-users and other concerned sectors and individuals, their use has resulted to the following environmental impact and other concerns: 1) Contamination of the environment due to improper pesticide waste disposal and improper practices related to pesticide use; 2) Presence of pesticide residues in and on vegetables, which is made worse by the fact that even banned or restricted pesticides have been used in vegetable production; 3) Outbreak of secondary pests and development of pest resistance to pesticides; 4) Pest resurgence and decimation of natural enemies and other beneficial or non-target species; 5) Health and safety of applicators and consumers; and 6) Distribution and sale of fake pesticides. The above concerns, which were discussed in the preceding sections of this paper, are aggravated by the lack of: (a) much-needed information, (b) logistics, (c) strong and highly motivated cause-oriented groups to serve as guardian of consumers, and (d) resolve and power to enforce the rules and laws governing the importation, distribution, sales, and use of pesticide
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