Glyphosate is a widely used broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, known for its effectiveness in controlling a variety of weeds.
- Discovered in the 1970s, it has since become one of the most commonly used herbicides globally.
- Chemically, Glyphosate is a phosphonate, which works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth.
- Its widespread adoption can be attributed to its efficacy and the development of Glyphosate-resistant crops.
Usage of Glyphosate
- The primary use of Glyphosate is in the agricultural sector, where it plays a crucial role in controlling weeds, especially in fields of genetically modified crops that are designed to be Glyphosate-resistant.
- This allows farmers to apply the herbicide without harming the crop.
- Beyond agriculture, Glyphosate is also used in urban landscaping, garden maintenance, and in industrial sites for weed control.
- Its global prevalence is significant, with millions of tons used annually worldwide, underlining its importance in modern agricultural practices.
Harmful Effects
There are concerns about glyphosate's potential to cause cancer in humans, though research findings are conflicting. In 2015, the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans” based on animal studies and limited evidence in humans.
- Glyphosate may impact the human endocrine system and act as an endocrine disruptor according to some studies, which can lead to developmental and reproductive damage. However, other regulatory agencies have concluded it is unlikely to be an endocrine disruptor in humans.
- Glyphosate application can adversely affect soil health, beneficial microorganisms, and mineral availability for plants. It can bind tightly to soil particles making nutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese less available to plants.
- Glyphosate may accumulate in groundwater supplies when applied at high doses. Traces have been detected in surface waters, rainfall, and air samples.
- Glyphosate can impact non-target plants like wildflowers and milkweed that support pollinators. It may reduce habitat and food sources for insects like bees and monarch butterflies.
- Development of glyphosate-resistant weeds is a major agricultural challenge. Overuse of glyphosate has led to resistant weed populations that are difficult to control.
- Exposure during application can cause eye and skin irritation. Accidental ingestion of concentrated solutions can be fatal.
Glyphosate in India
- India is one of the largest consumers of glyphosate-based herbicides worldwide. Usage has risen rapidly since the early 2000s.
- It is extensively used in cotton and soybean cultivation, as well as in horticulture and plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber, bananas, sugarcane etc.
- Genetically modified glyphosate tolerant cotton known as Bt Cotton was introduced in India in 2002 and now accounts for over 90% of cotton cultivation. This has led to a surge in glyphosate use.
- It is also applied to clear weeds from non-agricultural areas like roads, rail tracks, parks and other public spaces especially before monsoons.
- Aerial spraying of glyphosate is done in some states to clear tall grasses and weeds along highways.
- There are concerns about excessive reliance on glyphosate, improper application techniques, lack of safety equipment and impacts on food safety among farmers in India.
- Traces of glyphosate have been found in street food, vegetables, grains, pulses, breast milk and urine samples in studies conducted across Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states.
- There is pressure on government agencies to enforce stricter regulation of glyphosate sale and usage in the country.
The Indian government implemented significant measures regarding the use of Glyphosate
- Ban on Direct Use by Farmers: The Central Government of India banned the direct use of Glyphosate by farmers. This decision was based on concerns about the effects of Glyphosate on human and animal health.
- Restriction to Pest Control Operators: Following this ban, the use of Glyphosate was restricted solely to Pest Control Operators (PCOs). These operators are authorized to apply Glyphosate in agricultural fields. This measure was intended to regulate the application of Glyphosate more strictly, ensuring that its usage is controlled and managed by trained professionals.
- The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) is the regulatory authority that evaluates and approves pesticides for use in India.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food products. MRLs have been established for glyphosate in a variety of crops.