Ministry to control the import of chemicals
 

by Deepal Warnakulasuriya

Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana stressed the need of an Act to control the import of chemicals as it had already begun to cause ill effects on human health.

The minister addressing a workshop at the Plant Genetics Resource Centre, Gannoruwa recently emphasised the necessity of covering all the loopholes with the existing laws when it comes to importing chemicals.

The workshop on "Impact of pesticides on water catchments and ground water" had been organised by the Atomic Energy Authority.

"We have to be aware that pesticides are toxic substances and if they accumulate on the ground water or in the soil or food chain, they would have adverse effect on health", the minister said.

He also said that there were a number of banned pesticides which were being imported as chemicals. The chemicals are brought in bulk without declaring as pesticides and they were reconstituted, diluted and then the pesticide was used.

The minister further said that he has appointed a committee at the National Science Foundation to collect scientific data to show that organic farming is better for the farmers. "Chemicals destroy everything in the soil; worms, bacteria, fungus. Therefore the farmer has to regenerate the soil.

The cost of chemicals is increasing worldwide and farmers find their income is not increasing" he added.