3 pesticides banned for vegetables, herbs

BANGKOK, Aug 31 (TNA) -- The Hazardous Substance Committee bans the use of three pesticides on vegetables and herbs but permits it for six economic plants. Mongkol Pruekwatana, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works and secretary to the committee, said members of the committee had different opinions but the majority agreed with the Department of Agriculture to limit the use of paraquat, chlorpyrifos and glyphosate. Its use is banned for the cultivation of vegetables and herbs but allowed with the six economic plants namely corn, cassava, sugarcane, natural rubber, oil palm and fruits. Its use is prohibited for economic plants grown in catchment areas. The Hazardous Substance Committee will monitor the implementation of the policy in the next three months. Some members of the committee suggested the three chemicals be completely banned in a few years when the Department of Agriculture found their substitutes, Mr Mongkol said. The department will work out details of the limited use including legal measures, import limitation, and the methods and objectives of their use. (TNA)