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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Plastics in agriculture: entry point for carcinogens to food chain -Arjuna Srinidhi

Plastics in agriculture: entry point for carcinogens to food chain -Arjuna Srinidhi

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published Published on Jun 17, 2018   modified Modified on Jun 17, 2018
-Down to Earth

Fragments of plastic film have been shown to release potentially carcinogenic substances into soil

Plasticulture, or the use of plastics in agriculture, is evident in the form of lining of farm ponds, greenhouse cultivation, micro-irrigation (drips and sprinklers) and plastic mulching. Plastic mulch, in particular, should be of concern to us as it is a potential source of entry into our food system.

Why are farmers turning to plasticulture?

The Ministry of Agriculture believes that its optimal application is a step in the right direction to achieve the overall vision of doubling farm income by 2022.

The key benefits of plasticulture include;

    Increase in crop yields
    Reduced use of water (~30-40%) and other agricultural inputs like agro chemicals and fertilisers. Plasticulture can well be imbibed in the mainframe system within the ambit of sustainable agriculture practices domestically.
    Its effective implementation is likely to result in robust food grain production and consequent rise in agriculture GDP in excess of 4 per cent.

What are the problems with plasticulture?

As with the concern over plastics in other sector, there are issues with their application in agriculture also.  The plastic film residue can:

    decrease soil porosity and air circulation
    change microbial communities
    lower farmland fertility
    enter into the food chain

Fragments of plastic film have been shown to release potentially carcinogenic phthalate acid esters (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility) into soil, where they can be absorbed by crops and pose human health risk when food is consumed.

Please click here to read more.

Down to Earth, 6 June, 2018, http://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/plastics-in-agriculture-entry-point-for-carcinogens-to-food-chain-60778


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