Shillong: Indian Council of Agricultural Research director general S Ayyappan on Thursday said the controversial Endosulfan pesticide had no "residual affects" but said discussions were on for new formulations.
"From our side it is clear. It is an ideal pesticide. There is no residual affect," Ayyappan said in Shillong.
"But there could be different situations in which it is being used or different crops on which it can be used without proper guidance or advisory," he said, adding that 'concerns could be raised then'.
"We are discussing and providing technical back-up," ICAR DG said, when pointed to the concerns in Kerala.
He said everyday new molecules were being developed and old ones phased out.
"People are bringing alternatives everyday. DDT was there yesterday, today it is not. If we get a new alternative, nobody is dogmatic that we want to hold on to the same thing. We are in discussion. New formulations are coming in," he said when asked about the demands to ban the pesticide.
Kerala has been pressing for a nationwide ban on endosulfan pesticide as studies by experts had shown that its use in northern Kasaragod district had caused nearly 500 deaths and chronic health problems to hundreds. The Supreme Court on May 2 had sought response from the Centre on a petition seeking ban on Endosulfan pesticide across the country.
Rejecting suggestions that Government was against a ban on Endosulfan, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh had said recently that the country could phase out the pesticide before the 11-year timeframe agreed at Stockholm Convention if a cost-effective alternative is found.
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