It is unfortunate that the government of India is continuing to put profits above people’s wellbeing in deciding its position on endosulfan. At the ongoing United Nations’ Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants it does seem that India will resist an absolute global ban on endosulfan. A chemical pesticide, endosulfan is a known carcinogen, neurotoxin and genotoxin. Its deadly impact has been more than evident over the past 15 years especially in Kerala’s Kasargod and Palakkad districts and parts of Karnataka, where spraying of endosulfan in cashew plantations and mango orchards is believed to have resulted in birth deformities, cancer, cerebral palsy, mental disorders, skin diseases and vision loss among people living there.
It has rendered women infertile. Animals are born with twisted limbs and countless reptiles, animals and insects have been found dead during the spraying season. While Kasargod has seen the worst of its impact, endosulfan-related deformities are visible in other parts of the country as well. The use of endosulfan was banned in 2005 by the Kerala government and more recently, Karnataka imposed a 60-day ban on its use after severe deformities were noticed among people in cashew plantations in the Dakshina Kannada district.
Around 73 countries have phased out or banned endosulfan. India, China and Argentina are among those opposed to a ban. Economic considerations lie behind India’s position. The country manufactures 70 per cent of the world’s endosulfan. This is an industry that is valued at $100 million. Manufacturers have been pressing the government to desist from banning its manufacture and use and the government has given in to their demands.
To justify its opposition to the ban, the government has denied there is link between endosulfan and the deformities. Ruling out a ban on endosulfan recently, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said that four expert panels had found no negative impact on humans. Officials point out that endosulfan is a cheap option for farmers. While ruling out a nation-wide ban on endosulfan, Pawar and others are saying that states are free to do so. This is a deeply flawed approach as partial bans encourage smuggling.
A comprehensive ban on endosulfan that includes its use, sale and manufacture is essential. Besides it must be a global ban. India must respond to the terrible suffering of those maimed by endosulfan rather than bow to the demands of the industry. It must support a ban at the UN meet.