BANGKOK, Oct 21 (TNA) – A group of activists has kicked
off a campaign to support a ban on three toxic farming chemicals –paraquat,
glyphosate and chlorpyrifos — ahead of a crucial vote on the proposed ban of
the National Hazardous Substance Committee (NHSC) on Tuesday.
Dressed in white, the activists led by Biodiversity
Sustainable Agriculture Food Sovereignty Action Thailand or Biothai gathered at
the Public Health Ministry on Monday in the symbolic move “Kick Off” of a
comprehensive ban.
Biothai director Vitoon Lianchamroon said despite opposition
to the proposed ban Thailand must proceed with the plan because comprehensive
reports confirmed toxicity of the chemicals.
The proposed ban on three toxic farm chemicals has sparked a
fierce battle between farmers groups for and against outlawing the
substances. Some groups claim that there
are no alternatives to the chemicals and replacing them with other methods
would be a big burden on farmers.
Vitoon said the three chemical were evidently harmful to
farmers and consumers as at least four panels had supported the proposal.
He also urged the NHSC members to vote in an open session,
to ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, the Federation for Farmers’ Safety has demanded
the NHSC to postpone the ban, calling for measures to ease the higher costs for
cash-crop farmers.(TNA)
