Enlist and explain 'Dos' and 'Don'ts' in pesticides' usage with reference to purchase, handling, application and disposal of pesticides.

Purchase of Pesticides: Dos and Don'ts

The initial step in responsible pesticide management begins with informed purchasing.

• Dos:
  • Verify registration number on the label – ensures the pesticide is approved for use in India.
  • Check the expiry date – expired pesticides are ineffective and potentially harmful.
  • Purchase only from licensed dealers – guarantees authenticity and prevents counterfeit products.
  • Obtain a purchase receipt – for record-keeping and traceability.
  • Understand the label instructions – crucial for correct dosage and application.
• Don'ts:
  • Purchase pesticides without verifying registration.
  • Buy expired pesticides.
  • Procure from unauthorized dealers.
  • Purchase pesticides without understanding the label.
  • Stockpile excessive amounts – increases risk of accidents and spoilage.

Handling of Pesticides: Dos and Don'ts

Safe handling is vital to protect applicators and prevent contamination.

• Dos:
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, goggles, aprons. The Insecticides Act, 1968 mandates this.
  • Store pesticides in a secure, locked area, away from children and animals.
  • Keep pesticides in their original containers – prevents misidentification and leakage.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling pesticides.
• Don'ts:
  • Handle pesticides without PPE.
  • Store pesticides in food or drink containers.
  • Leave pesticide containers accessible to children or animals.
  • Eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides.
  • Transfer pesticides to different containers without proper labeling.

Application of Pesticides: Dos and Don'ts

Proper application minimizes environmental impact and maximizes efficacy.

• Dos:
  • Apply pesticides only when necessary, based on pest monitoring and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
  • Use the recommended dosage and application method specified on the label.
  • Calibrate spraying equipment regularly to ensure accurate application rates.
  • Apply during favorable weather conditions (avoiding windy days to prevent drift).
  • Observe the pre-harvest interval (PHI) – the time between the last application and harvest.
• Don'ts:
  • Apply pesticides indiscriminately.
  • Exceed the recommended dosage.
  • Spray near water bodies or during windy conditions.
  • Ignore the pre-harvest interval.
  • Apply pesticides during flowering – can harm pollinators.

Disposal of Pesticide Waste: Dos and Don'ts

Responsible disposal prevents environmental contamination.

• Dos:
  • Triple rinse empty pesticide containers and use the rinse water for field application (if permitted).
  • Bury pesticide containers in a designated area, away from water sources.
  • Participate in pesticide waste collection programs, if available.
  • Follow local guidelines for pesticide disposal.
• Don'ts:
  • Burn pesticide containers.
  • Dispose of pesticide containers in regular trash.
  • Dump pesticide waste into water bodies.
  • Re-use pesticide containers for other purposes.

A summary of key points is provided below:

Stage	Dos	Don'ts
Purchase	Verify registration, check expiry, licensed dealer	No verification, expired pesticides, unauthorized dealer
Handling	PPE, secure storage, original containers	No PPE, food containers, accessible to children
Application	IPM, recommended dosage, calibrate equipment	Indiscriminate use, exceed dosage, windy conditions
Disposal	Triple rinse, designated burial, waste collection	Burning, regular trash, water bodies