Ministries agree measures to rein in pesticide use in haor districts

The second meeting of the National Committee, established to determine next steps for controlling and limiting pesticide use in the agricultural sector to protect fisheries and livestock in the haor areas, was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Speakers at the meeting included Md Mokabbir Hossain, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources; Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Md Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Health; Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; and Muhammad Mubinul Kabir, Member of the National Board of Revenue.

Also present were Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka; Dr Md Ziauddin, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram; and Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet. Senior officials attending included Md Imam Uddin Kabir, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation; Syeda Nawara Jahan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; John Kennedy Jambil, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue), Mymensingh; S M Sohrab Uddin, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension; Major General Md Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board; Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries; Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock; and Dr Anuradha Bhadra, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, along with representatives from NGOs.

The meeting was chaired by Farida Akhtar, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. She explained that following the monsoon season, water levels in the haor areas recede, enabling the cultivation of rabi crops, particularly Boro rice. In pursuit of higher yields, many farmers use pesticides excessively and indiscriminately, posing serious threats to fish, livestock, and overall biodiversity in the haor ecosystem. She stressed the need for urgent measures to control pesticide use and emphasised that coordinated efforts from all stakeholders are essential to protect the region's biodiversity.

Senior Secretary Md Mokabbir Hossain noted that the harmful pesticide carbofuran has already been banned, and its marketing must be strictly prevented. He called for greater use of organic pesticides and alternative pest management practices in place of hazardous chemical pesticides.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian stated that finalising clear rules on pesticide use would significantly improve control. He noted that the country currently has around 8,100 commercial pesticide brands, including 335 generic names, all of which are imported.

Health Services Secretary Md Saidur Rahman observed that the absence of specific guidelines has led to excessive pesticide use by farmers. He proposed examining the feasibility of introducing a prescription-based system for pesticide sales.

Secretary Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber announced that consensus has been reached on using the laboratories of the National Institute of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute for pesticide toxicity testing. He emphasised the need for coordinated funding to implement the programme effectively.

The meeting unanimously adopted several decisions. These include strengthening controls on pesticide sales in seven haor districts during the forthcoming Boro season and reinforcing monitoring through district- and upazila-level committees.

It was also decided that pesticides must be marketed with simple and clear instructions in Bangla on bottles and packets. Training and awareness programmes will be conducted in haor districts to promote the safe and proper use of pesticides.

Arrangements will be made to test pesticide toxicity in food and animal feed at designated laboratories. Activities related to organic pesticides, integrated pest management, and good agricultural practices will be expanded as environmentally friendly alternatives. The committee also resolved to complete implementation of a comprehensive action plan for pesticide control in the haor region by 31 January 2026.