Maharashtra govt seizes Endosulfan worth Rs 85 lakh

PUNE: Maharashtra agriculture department has seized Endosulfan worth Rs 85.65 lakh from the market. The move is in response to the Supreme Court imposed ban on sale of the controversial pesticide in the country for two months from mid-May till mid-July.

"We have issued notice to all the dealers not to sell the pesticide till further notice," said SS Adsool, director agriculture (inputs and quality control), Maharashtra. The ban will be reviewed after the report of the central government appointed expert committee is expected on the safety of endosulfan use for human and environmental health becomes ready.

Endosulfan is the cheapest pesticide available to Indian farmers and useful for more than one diseases. Due to ban on its sale, farmers will have to spend at least 25% more on pesticides this kharif season. Farmers' organisation, Shetkari Sangathan led by Mr Sharad Joshi has already opposed ban on use of Endosulfan.