In addition to increasing production, farmers have become overly dependent on excessive pesticides and chemical fertilizers to protect crops from diseases and pests.
The uncontrolled use of pesticides is, on one hand, depleting soil fertility, and on the other hand, polluting water sources. The biggest damage, however, is to human health. Long-term consumption of food mixed with these chemicals is causing various diseases such as cancer, kidney and liver problems. Even reproductive complications are arising.
Agricultural experts say that the main reason why Bangladeshi agricultural products are not competitive in international markets is the failure to maintain food safety standards.
Despite various government and private organizations advocating for better agricultural practices and encouraging the use of organic fertilizers and biopesticides, significant limitations remain in practical implementation.
As a result, producing safe food in agriculture-dependent Bangladesh has become a major challenge.
Dipak Kumar Kar, a reporter from Ittefaq, Rajganj (Sirajganj), informs that recently, the leaves of tomato plants in a large field in Kodladigar village of Chandikona union of this district were seen wilting and drooping.
Regarding this, the farmer Ashraful Alam from this field said that due to the wrong and excessive application of pesticides, 70% of his tomato plants have been destroyed. It's not just the farmers of Rajganj, but farmers across the country are being affected by the excessive use of pesticides. The government has already banned 40 pesticides, but experts believe this is not enough.
Professor Mohammad Abul Hasnat from the Chemistry Department of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, says that the excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers is causing severe harm to both human health and the environment.
Excessive use of urea fertilizer leads to the production of carbon dioxide, which harms the environment. Additionally, excessive use of ammonia reduces oxygen in water, making it unsuitable for fish.
He also warns that excessive use of pesticides can cause severe diseases in the human body, including cancer, kidney failure, and various lung diseases. Furthermore, women may face reproductive issues.
Increase in pesticide use:
The use of pesticides in the country is steadily increasing. In 2023, pesticide use reached nearly 40,000 metric tons, compared to only 4,000 tons in 1972. This represents a tenfold increase compared to 1972.
Pesticides are mainly used in rice, vegetable, and fruit cultivation. Currently, the pesticide market in the country is worth over 500 billion taka, which is a clear indication of the excessive reliance on this sector.
Deficiency of organic matter in 61% of cultivable land:
According to a recent study by the Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI), excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in a significant deficit of organic matter in nearly 61% of the country's total cultivable land, which covers 16 million hectares.
The main reason for the decline in soil fertility is the continuous cultivation of crops in the same land every year and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Ideally, soil should contain 45% minerals or particles, 5% organic matter, and 25% each of water and air, making it balanced.
For optimum soil health, organic matter should ideally be at 3.5%, but in Bangladesh, the average organic matter content is only 1.17%, and in some areas, it is less than 1%. Nearly 55% of the land in the country is deficient in zinc.
Unplanned farming, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, rapid urbanization, industrialization, pollution, massive deforestation, and improper fertilizer use have all contributed to the loss of soil fertility.
Due to climate change, global warming, the overuse of chemical fertilizers, and the lack of sustainable land management practices, the soil is now facing severe threats. Experts from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) report that the fertility level of the land in the past decade has dropped from 2.5% to 1.5%.
27% of farmers suffering from pesticide-related illnesses:
According to a recent seminar at the Agricultural Research Council in Dhaka, international organization Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) presented research findings revealing that about 27% of the country's farmers suffer from pesticide-related illnesses.
These include eye irritation, blisters on the skin, breathing problems, dizziness, as well as long-term diseases like cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, and neurological complications. Dr. Dilruba Sharmin, the project coordinator of CABI, presented data indicating that approximately 8,000 commercial pesticides are registered in the country, with 363 types of active ingredients being used.
These are mainly used for rice, vegetable, and fruit cultivation. Most farmers do not follow the correct dosage, mixing instructions, or application guidelines for pesticides. Often, they ignore label instructions. As a result, toxic residues remain in food products, creating long-term health risks for consumers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 30 million people worldwide suffer from pesticide poisoning every year, with around 200,000 deaths.
Former Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Md. Asadullah, says, "Farmers have become overly dependent on excessive pesticides and chemical fertilizers to increase food production. This is destroying the environment and contaminating food. To overcome this situation, we need to first raise awareness among farmers about the poison that is pesticides. Local agricultural officers must play an active role in this. Timely and proper advice must be given to farmers."
He adds, "The problem is that farmers often follow the advice of pesticide and fertilizer vendors from whom they buy the chemicals. This is causing more harm."
