Abstract

HAZARDS OF AGRO CHEMICALS – A REVIEW

Dr. Rashmi Tiwari MD (Ayu.)* and Dr. Nitesh Gupta MD (Ayu.)

Abstract

Agrochemical or agrichemical, a contraction of agricultural chemical, is a generic term for the various chemical products used in agriculture. In most cases, agrochemical refers to the broad range of pesticides including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and nematicides. It may also include synthetic fertilizers, hormones and other chemical growth agents, and concentrated stores of raw animal manure. Many important benefits are achieved by the use of agrochemicals. However, the use of certain agrochemicals has also been associated with some important environmental and ecological damages. Non-target exposures cause many unnecessary poisonings and deaths of organisms that are not agricultural pests. In addition there is a widespread, contamination of the environment in the form of residues with some types of persistent pesticides, in virtually all wildlife, well water, food and even in humans. Residues of some of the chemicals used in animal husbandry are also believed by some people to be a problem. To prevent excessive exposure to such chemicals and to avoid their hazards organic farming is a better alternate. The concept of organic farming is not new in Indian culture as in ancient India there were several methods mentioned for organic farming. Also for curative measures the concept of Ayurveda like shodhana (purification) therapy and dooshivisha (denatured poison) can be relayed upon.

Keywords: agro chemical, hazards Ayurveda.