According to a new study published in Nature, harmful chemicals from pesticides not only pollute the soil and water around the farms but also reach rivers and oceans. Glyphosate is one such chemical which breaks down into a highly persistent and toxic molecule called AMPA.
Key points
- Glyphosate is an herbicide. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses.
- The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops.
- Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants.
- It prevents the plants from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth.
- Glyphosate stops a specific enzyme pathway, the shikimic acid pathway.
- Glyphosate comes in many forms, including an acid and several salts. These can be either solids or an amber-colored liquid.
- The government of India has not banned the sale, distribution and use of Glyphosate or any other pesticide that contains glyphosate.
- The Registration Committee is empowered to register pesticides for use in the country and takes references from various international documents including International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management.
