THERE is no denying the fact that pesticides help in killing weeds and viruses which damage crops, and the farmers have benefitted a lot from them. But, unfortunately, their side-effects are too many to ignore.

Increased use of pesticides has badly affected human and animal lives. In some cases, deaths have also been reported due to the consumption of vegetables sprayed with pesticides.

It has also been observed that the number of birds has drastically reduced in areas where farmers use more pesticides. Despite all this, the use of pesticides in agricultural lands by farmers continues to increase with every passing day.

It is time the authorities concerned guided the farmers to revert to natural resources to increase the production of crops. This will save the farmers from falling in the trap of multinationals which sell poison in the name of fertiliser.

The world is moving back to organic methods and materials to enhance the productivity of lands. This is the only way forward for sustainable development.

Raza Kharal
Sheikhupura

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2021