Understanding Glyphosate
- Glyphosate-based herbicides are derived from a compound known as glyphosate, scientifically referred to as N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine under the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of nomenclature.
- Glyphosate has a molecular formula of C3H8NO5P.
- Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weed killer products and is an odorless white powder.
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency first registered Glyphosate for use in 1974.
- This herbicide is commonly used in agriculture, forestry, on lawns and gardens, and for controlling weeds in industrial areas.
Glyphosate's Role in India
- In India, the tea industry is the largest consumer of glyphosate, with the herbicide mainly being used on tea plantations.
- The tea sectors in West Bengal and Assam are significant markets for Glyphosate sales.
- This herbicide is extensively used in the cultivation of sugarcane, maize, and various fruit crops, including mangoes, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, and citrus fruits.
- According to a 2016 bulletin from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this herbicide is known as Glycel, Roundup, and Brake in India.
- Andhra Pradesh was the first state in India to ban the use of Glyphosate in September 2018. Punjab, Kerala, and Telangana have also imposed certain restrictions on the sale of this herbicide, although they have not completely banned it.
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The Impact of Glyphosate on Human Health
Glyphosate is considered harmful to humans due to its high risk of causing cancer. If a person inhales or consumes something immediately after coming into contact with a plant treated with glyphosate, they may ingest the herbicide, which can be extremely harmful.
Symptoms of exposure to glyphosate-containing products may include skin irritation, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a burning sensation in the mouth.
Does Glyphosate Affect the Environment or Wildlife?
Environment – Glyphosate binds well to the soil, preventing it from entering groundwater. Depending on the type of soil and the climate, glyphosate can persist in the soil for up to six months. Soil bacteria then break it down.
Wildlife – While pure glyphosate is low in toxicity to fish and wildlife, some products containing glyphosate may be toxic due to other ingredients. Glyphosate can indirectly affect fish and wildlife because eliminating the plants can alter the animals' habitat.
For more on this topic, check out the NCERT Notes on Biodiversity – Species, Genetics & Ecosystem .
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