The illegal purchase and use of herbicides are becoming a serious issue in Samtse’s Tading Gewog, posing significant risks to both human health and the environment. Residents are bypassing strict regulations limiting the use of such chemicals leading to alarming consequences.
Most villagers of Tading Gewog in Samtse are using this herbicide which comes in a one-litre bottle and costs Nu 600 to clear unwanted vegetation around their homes.
Additionally, farmers have started using herbicides in betel nut farms and maize fields to reduce the need for manual weeding, saving time and labour costs.
However, the National Plant Protection Centre identified this herbicide as parquet, a highly toxic chemical that is banned in Bhutan.
“We used to rely on traditional methods of weeding, but now people are choosing easier options, buying herbicides illegally, and using them everywhere. This not only harms nearby plants but also poses risks to people. We fear that our water sources could become contaminated if these herbicides are not properly monitored and controlled,” said Leela Raj Gurung, a resident.
“From what I’ve observed, these herbicides are loosening the topsoil, causing more harm than good to our land. We would be grateful if officials from BAFRA, Customs, and the police could strictly monitor and stop the illegal supply of these harmful chemicals,” said Dilip Ghalley, another resident.
Residents say the proximity of the gewog to the border has made it easy for them to obtain herbicides without proper authorisation.
Current regulations in the country allow only limited herbicides and pesticides which must be purchased through the agriculture office.
According to the Tading Gewog Agriculture Extension Office, no one in the gewog has approached them while purchasing insecticides or pesticides, indicating non-compliance.
The issue is becoming severe, with the gewog also seeing cases of self-poisoning from herbicide use.
As of today, the Panbari Public Healthcare Centre has recorded seven cases of herbicide poisoning in humans over the last seven years, with one patient recently referred to the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.
Three individuals, including two men and a woman, have died from herbicide poisoning.
The National Plant Protection Centre has consistently urged farmers to consult with agricultural experts before using herbicides or pesticides. They have emphasised that only around four types of pesticides are approved for use in the country, primarily for paddy and maize crops.
In response to the escalating issue, the Tading Gewog and the agriculture sector have launched awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the dangers of illegal herbicide use. Despite these efforts, residents and officials agree that urgent and stricter enforcement is needed to protect both the environment and public health.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Phub Gyem
