BANGKOK, Nov 23 (TNA) – The Department of
Agriculture plans to propose postponement of the ban on three farm chemicals
by another six months following opposition by farmers.
Farmers planned to wear black clothes and rally at
Government House on Nov 28 to oppose the government’s policy to ban three farm
chemicals – paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos. The ban takes effect on Dec
1.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai
Sri-on said he ordered every agency under his ministry to consider the issue
carefully before forwarding proposals to the National Hazardous Substances Committee
(NHSC) in a meeting on Nov 27, one day before the farmers’ planned demonstration.
The meeting will be chaired by Industry Minister.
Meanwhile, Anant Suwanarat, permanent secretary for
agriculture and chairman of working committee, in charge of assisting affected farmers
said the Agriculture Department would propose to the NHSC that the ban be postponed by
another six months.
The proposal will be discussed for
conclusion early next week before forwarding to the Agriculture and Cooperatives
minister for consideration ahead of the Nov 27 meeting.
The NHSC voted in October to upgrade paraquat,
glyphosate and chlorpyrifos from Type 3 toxic substances to Type 4, which prohibit
their production, import, export or possession. (TNA)
