Shocking Report Exposes Mauritius as Top User of Toxic Pesticides

A damning report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has sent shockwaves through the island, revealing Mauritius as the top user of toxic pesticides from 2015 to 2018. However, as the truth unfolds, a chorus of denial has reportedly risen from the local farmers and Gina Bonne, the mission officer at the Indian Ocean Commission, who claim that the agricultural sector cannot function without these hazardous chemicals.

Raffick Chatharoo, the president of the Mauritius Planters Association (MPA), exposed the dark reality to Defi Media, stating, “There is an epidemic of pesticide abuse in our agricultural plantations, with no regard for control or limits on the quantity used in our fields.” He argues that farmers are trapped, unable to achieve a bountiful harvest without resorting to these toxic substances, blaming the relentless onslaught of insects in open fields.

Soorajen Manikon, the Secretary-General of the Independent Planters Association (IPA), echoed Chatharoo’s sentiments. He predicts that as the demand for organic and hydroponic products remains low, the reliance on pesticides will persist in the realm of agricultural production. 

In the midst of this escalating crisis, Gina Bonne, the mission officer responsible for environment and climate change at the Indian Ocean Commission (COI), recognised the arduous nature of completely eradicating pesticides. She advocates gradual reduction through user support, education, and the urgent need to raise public awareness about the grave risks associated with these hazardous substances.

Unveiling the dark underbelly of the farming world, Raffick Chatharoo also argued about the relentless pursuit of a fruitful harvest. While farmers pour their resources into safeguarding their crops, Chatharoo said they prioritise field protection without considering the cataclysmic consequences for both the land and consumer health.

He also insisted on the need to wait at least eight days after pesticide application before harvesting vegetables, cautioning that failure to inform consumers or adhere to the waiting period can imperil their well-being.

Soorajen Manikin acknowledges the plight of non-landowning farmers who have no choice but to produce open-field vegetables. Burdened by the scarcity of time, technical skills, and labour required for organic or hydroponic farming, they find themselves caught in a web of necessity.

No Response

Defi Media said all its attempts to gather crucial information on pesticide control and usage from various organisations, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agro-Industry, have proven futile.

“The Dangerous Chemical Control Board, entrusted with regulating these lethal substances under the Ministry of Agro-Industry, gave no satisfactory response,” it reported.

According to opposition MP Joanna Bérenger, since 2018, only a meager 1,811 samples of fruits and vegetables have been tested for pesticide levels. With the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization labelling Mauritius as one of the highest pesticide users per square kilometre, Bérenger insists that the government must confront this grave issue head-on.

High doses of pesticides in farming can lead to various medical conditions:

• Acute Poisoning: Direct exposure to high levels of pesticides can cause acute poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, respiratory distress, skin irritation, and even seizures. Severe cases can result in coma or death.
• Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure to pesticides, even at lower levels, can lead to chronic health conditions. These may include neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), respiratory problems, reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, developmental disorders in children, immune system dysfunction, and certain types of cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma, and lung cancer).
• Dermatological Problems: Prolonged contact with pesticides can cause skin irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, and dermatitis. Some pesticides may also be absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic effects.
• Respiratory Disorders: Inhalation of pesticide fumes or dust particles can result in respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Pesticide exposure can irritate the airways, cause inflammation, and impair lung function.
• Neurological Disorders: Certain pesticides, particularly organophosphates and organochlorines, can adversely affect the nervous system. They may lead to symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Pesticide exposure has been associated with fertility problems, miscarriages, birth defects, and developmental abnormalities in children. Some pesticides can disrupt hormone function, affecting reproductive organs and the normal development of the foetus.
• Cancer: Pesticides have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including those affecting the bladder, breast, prostate, lung, liver, and others. Some pesticides possess carcinogenic properties or may act as tumour promoters.

Source: Defi Media, CDC