Ban of 3 herbicides agreed, with conditions

PHOTO: www.asiaone.com

Thai PBS World reports that Thailand’s National Hazardous Substances Committee says it will agree to banning paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos, provided that the alternatives proposed are effective, affordable for farmers, and less hazardous.

Committee chairman Apijin Chotikasathien gave the undertaking yesterday, while giving the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives 60 days to come up with alternatives.

Mr Apijin says the Agricultural Technique Department has always said there are no alternatives that meet the requirements outlined by the committee.

The committee also notes the need to build understanding between the state and those who currently import the hazardous herbicides, as well as farmers and other consumers about the dangers of the 3 weed killers.

Prior to the committee meeting, it’s understood that members of the Rak Mae Khlong voluntary network offered moral support to committee members, in the hope that use of the herbicides would continue to be allowed.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World