Most of the tobacco farmers in Lalmonirhat are unaware of the ratio of the pesticides to be used in the field and hardly recycle empty pesticide bottles.
They have been using significant amount of pesticides in their fields and many farmers even use pesticide in their homes, which may lead to a serious health hazard.
Although the farmers are advised to use pesticides carefully and to destroy those bottles in a safe hole constructed by tobacco companies, many of the farmers are not acting accordingly because of lack of adequate campaigning in this regard.
Israfil Islam, another tobacco grower of Durgapur village, said farmers regularly use pesticides in their homes, which is very injurious for health, especially children’s health.
“Many growers use the empty pesticide bottles at home. As a result, their family members fall sick,” he added.
Meherban Ali, a tobacco grower of Tiktikir village, said: “Sometimes I take the blank bottles of pesticides home after using it in the field. I use the bottles to bring fuel for the family.”
There are some farmers who are aware of the directives of the tobacco companies on using pesticides and recycling of the empty bottles.
Azgor Ali, a tobacco grower of the Tiktikir village, said: “I follow the tobacco company’s direction while using pesticides, and I destroy the blank bottles in the hole constructed by the tobacco companies.”
Afzal Hossain at Sarpukur village said: “The tobacco companies constructed safe holes for destroying the bottles of pesticides after using them in the field. Their representatives also provide us advices on how to use pesticides.”
Khabir Uddin, sub-assistant agriculture officer at Aditmari upazila, said a large amount of pesticides are used on tobacco fields, more so than in any other crop. “Many farmers are still unaware about the negative effects of pesticides. They and their family member face health hazard because of this unawareness,” he added.
Aditmari upazila Health Officer Dr Adam Ali said pesticide causes different diseases, including lung problems, skin diseases and even brain defects. Pesticide should be used properly and carefully, and must be kept away from children, the doctor suggested.
