Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-m8qmq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-15T14:34:09.824Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Banning of herbicides and the impact on agriculture: the case of glyphosate in Sri Lanka

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2019

Buddhi Marambe Open the ORCID record for Buddhi Marambe [Opens in a new window]  and
Swarna Herath
Buddhi Marambe*
Affiliation:
Senior Professor, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Swarna Herath
Affiliation:
Researcher, Rice Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Ambalantota, Sri Lanka
*
Author for correspondence: Buddhi Marambe, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. (Email: bmarambe@pdn.ac.lk)
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Glyphosate, a widely used preplant herbicide in annual and perennial crops, was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1977. Its use has expanded since 2008 with the phase-out and ban in 2014 of paraquat. In December 2014, glyphosate use in Sri Lanka was regionally restricted. Crop protection and production in the country was severely affected in 2016 and 2017 due to the irrational decisions of the government of Sri Lanka (GoSL). Increased crop production costs due to the absence of effective and economically viable weed control techniques, low crop yields, loss of foreign exchange, and enhanced use of smuggled glyphosate products are the consequences of the glyphosate ban. The ban was imposed without a scientific basis because of sociopolitical pressure. A series of dialogues with the GoSL helped rescind the ban in 2018 for a period of 36 mo, but its use is limited to tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntz.] and rubber [Hevia brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg.]. In August 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers of the GoSL also decided to allow use of glyphosate to devitalize propagules in the floriculture industry (export oriented) and destroy coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) trees infected by Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) infected by white leaf disease. However, glyphosate products with the co-formulant polyethoxylated tallow amine are still not permitted in Sri Lanka.

Keywords

Economic lossesimport bannonselective herbicidesyield losses
Type
Symposium
Information
Weed Science , Volume 68 , Issue 3 , May 2020 , pp. 246 - 252
Copyright
© Weed Science Society of America, 2019

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

Associate Editor: William Vencill, University of Georgia

References

Abeywickrama, LM, Sandika, AL, Sooriyaarachchi, P, Vidanapathirana, I (2017) Impacts of Banning Glyphosate on Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka: A Field Evaluation. Mapalana, Kamburupitya, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. https://www.croplifeasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Impacts-of-Banning-Glyphosate-on-Agriculture-Sector-in-Sri-Lanka-A-Field-Evaluation.pdf. Accessed: April 5, 2019Google Scholar
Amarasinghe, L, Marambe, B (1998) Trends in weed control in rice in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Multi-Disciplinary International Conference. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, February 23–25, 1998. 13 pGoogle Scholar
Amarasinghe, L, Marambe, B, Rajapakse, RPAD (1999) Effect of quinclorac on weed control and productivity of wet-seeded rice in the mid country region of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan J Agric Sci 36:24–34Google Scholar
Chauhan, BS (2013) Management Strategies for Weedy Rice in South Asia. Los Banos, Manila: International Rice Research Institute. 16 pGoogle Scholar
Chithranarayana, RD, Punyawardena, BVR (2014) Adaptation to the vulnerability of paddy cultivation to climate change based on seasonal rainfall characteristics. J Natl Sci Found Sri Lanka 42:119–127Google Scholar
Das Gupta, S, Minten, B, Rao, NC, Reardon, T (2017) The rapid diffusion of herbicides in farming in India: patterns, determinants, and effects on labor productivity. Eur J Dev Res 29: doi: 10.1057/s41287-017-0091-6Google Scholar
[DoA] Department of Agriculture (2017) Unpublished data. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Economics and Statistics DivisionGoogle Scholar
[DoA] Department of Agriculture (2018) Unpublished data. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Economics and Statistics DivisionGoogle Scholar
De Silva, MSDL, Liyanage, MGS, Wijesekera, SN, Prematunga, EWTP, Pushpakumari, WHDU (2018) An update on herbicide screening and potential alternatives. Paper presented at the 235th Experiments and Extension Forum for Corporate Sector “New Pesticides for Integrated Pest Management in Tea.” https://www.tri.lk/userfiles/file/235%20E&E%20Jan%202018/03_235_E&E_26Jan2018_Paper_II_Dr(Mrs)MSDLDeSilva.pdf. Accessed: April 5, 2019Google Scholar
Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (2017) Australian Markets for Cut Flower and Foliage. http://www.srilankabusiness.com/pdf/m0061rket_brief_2017/australian-market-for-cut-flowers-and-foliage.pdf. Accessed: June 10, 2019Google Scholar
[EU] European Union (2013) Commission Regulation (EU) No 777/2013 of 12 August 2013. Official Journal of the European Union L 221. Brussels: European Commission. 48 pGoogle Scholar
[EC] European Commission (2016) Frequently asked questions on glyphosate. 29 June 2016. European Commission – Fact Sheet. Brussels: European Commission. 3 pGoogle Scholar
[FAO] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2019) Prevention and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides. http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/obsolete-pesticides/why-problem/pesticide-bans/en. Accessed: June 5, 2019Google Scholar
[FAO–World Food Program] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations–World Food Program (2017) Special Report—Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to Sri Lanka. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Food Program. 42 pGoogle Scholar
Foley, JA, Ramankutty, N, Brauman, KA, Cassidy, ES, Gerber, JS, Johnston, M, Mueller, ND, O’Connell, C, Ray, DK, West, PC, Balzer, C, Bennett, EM, Carpenter, SR, Hill, J, Monfreda, C, et al. (2011) Solutions for a cultivated planet. Nature 478:337–342Google Scholar
Government of Australia (2019) Biosecurity Import Conditions System. http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/online-services/bicon. Accessed: June 10, 2019Google Scholar
Gunnell, D, Fernando, R, Hewagama, M, Priyangika, WDD, Konradsen, F, Eddleston, M (2007) The impact of pesticide regulations on suicide in Sri Lanka. Int J Epidemiol 36:1235–1242Google Scholar
[IARC] International Agency for Research on Cancer (2015) Evaluation of Five Organophosphate Insecticides and Herbicides (IARC Monographs 112). https://www.iarc.fr/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate. Accessed: June 10, 2019Google Scholar
Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation (2017) Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) List of Agricultural Chemicals in Foods: Compositional Specification for Foods. http://db.ffcr.or.jp/front. Accessed: June 10, 2019Google Scholar
Jayasumana, C, Gunatilake, S, Senanayake, P (2014) Glyphosate, hard water and nephrotoxic metals: are they the culprits behind the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka? Int J Environ Res Public Health 11:2125–2147Google Scholar
Malkanthi, SHP, Sandareka, UG, Wijerathne, AW, Sivashankar, P (2019) Banning of glyphosate and its impact on paddy cultivation: a study in Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. J Agric Sci (Sri Lanka) 14:129–144Google Scholar
Marambe, B (2009) Weedy rice—evolution, threats and management. Trop Agriculturist 157:43–64Google Scholar
Marambe, B, Abeysekara, ASK, Herath, HMS (2015) Weeds and weed management in agricultural and natural ecosystems: an overview of the Sri Lankan context. Pages 213–240 in Rao, VS, Yaduraju, NT, Chandrasena, NR, Hassan, G, Sharma, AR, eds. Weed Science in the Asian-Pacific Region. Hyderabad, India: Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society and Indian Society of Weed ScienceGoogle Scholar
Marambe, B, Jayasekera, S, Amarasinghe, L, Ahangama, D, De Soyza, J (2008) National Priorities in Plant Protection Research and Development. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy. 18 pGoogle Scholar
Marambe, B, Jayaweera, MAK, Hitinayake, HMGSB (2003). Paraquat-resistant Crassocephalum crepidioides in Sri Lanka. Pages 782–787In Proceedings of the 19th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Conference. Manila, Philippines: Asian-Pacific Weed Science SocietyGoogle Scholar
Marambe, B, Jayasekera, S, Samarasinghe, JD, Kumara, PV (2011) National Priorities in Plant Protection Research. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy. 28 pGoogle Scholar
Marambe, B, Nissanka, SP, De Silva, L, Anandacoomaraswamy, A, Priyantha, MGDL (2002) Occurrence of paraquat-resistant Erigeron sumatrensis [Retz] in up country tea lands of Sri Lanka. J Plant Dis Prot 17:973–978Google Scholar
Mohottige, NS, Sivayoganathan, C, Wanigasundera, WADP (2002) Agropesticide Usage in Sri Lanka: Major Policy Issues (Discussion Paper—2002). Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: ITDG-South Asia, Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. 36 pGoogle Scholar
Oerke, E-C (2006) Crop losses due to pests. J Agric Sci 144:31–43Google Scholar
[OCM] Office of the Cabinet of Ministers Sri Lanka (2019) Devitalization of the Propagatable Floriculture Items to Be Exported to Australia and the Use of Glyphosate for the Control of White Leaf Disease in the Sugarcane Cultivation and Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.lk/cab/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=49&lang=en&dID=9989. Accessed: August 20, 2019Google Scholar
Pesticide Action Network (2017) PAN International Consolidated List of Banned Pesticides. http://pan-international.org/pan-international-consolidated-list-of-banned-pesticides. Accessed: May 10, 2019Google Scholar
Prematillake, KG (2013) Development of resistance in two weeds for glyphosate herbicide. Sri Lanka Plant Prot Ind J 7:102–104Google Scholar
Rajapakse, R, Chandrasena, N, Marambe, B, Amarasinghe, L (2012) Planning for effective weed management: lessons from Sri Lanka. Pakistan J Weed Sci 18:843–853Google Scholar
Ramankutty, N, Mehrabi, Z, Waha, K, Jarvis, L, Kremen, C, Herrero, M, Rieseberg, LH (2018) Trends in global agricultural land use: implications for environmental health and food security. Annu Rev Plant Biol 69(14):1–27Google Scholar
Rao, AN, Johnson, DE, Sivaprasad, B, Ladha, JK, Mortimer, AM (2007) Weed management in direct-seeded rice. Adv Agron 93:153–255Google Scholar
Rao, AN, Wani, SP, Ahmed, S, Ali, HH, Marambe, B (2017) An overview of weeds and weed management in rice in South Asia. Pages 247–281 in Rao, AN, Matsumoto, H, eds. Weed Management in Rice in the Asian-Pacific Region. Hyderabad, India: Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society, Weed Science Society of Japan, and Indian Society of Weed ScienceGoogle Scholar
Ratnasekera, D (2010) Weedy rice: A threat to rice production in Sri Lanka. J Univ Ruhuna 3:2–13Google Scholar
[RoP] Registrar of Pesticides (2017) Annual Report (Unpublished). Getambe, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Office of the Registrar of PesticidesGoogle Scholar
[RoP] Registrar of Pesticides (2018) Annual Report (Unpublished). Getambe, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Office of the Registrar of PesticidesGoogle Scholar
Senarathne, SHS, Perera, KCP (2011) Effect of several weed control methods in tropical coconut plantation on weed abundance, coconut yield and economical value. Int Res J Plant Sci 2:25–31Google Scholar
Shyamalie, HW (2016) Cost analysis of weed management in tea lands. Paper presented at the 231st Experiments and Extension Forum for Corporate Sector on Year of Adoption 2015—Soil Conservation and Fertility Improvement. Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakele. https://www.tri.lk/userfiles/file/231%20E&E/07_E&E_231_Paper_V_Shyamalie.pdf Accessed: March 5, 2016Google Scholar
[SLCARP] Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (2017) National Priorities in Plant Protection. Colombo: Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy, Ministry of Agriculture. 50 pGoogle Scholar
Sumith, JA (2005) Sri Lanka country report. In Proceedings of the Asia Regional Workshop on Implementation, Monitoring and Observance International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides. Bangkok, Thailand: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. http://www.fao.org/3/af340e/af340e0k.htm#bm20. Accessed: June 10, 2019Google Scholar
[WHO] World Health Organization (2005) The WHO Recommended Pesticide Classification by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification 2004. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization. 56 pGoogle Scholar