Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the initial reaction of farmers after being introduced to pesticides?
What was the initial reaction of farmers after being introduced to pesticides?
- They were skeptical and hesitant to buy them.
- They excitedly bought pesticides in large quantities. (correct)
- They reported the salesmen to the authorities.
- They decided to use only natural methods.
Mahendra Yadav’s main crop is tomatoes.
Mahendra Yadav’s main crop is tomatoes.
False (B)
What was one of the consequences of using pesticides on the crops?
What was one of the consequences of using pesticides on the crops?
The natural balance was disturbed, allowing moths to reproduce rapidly.
Farmers began using pesticides after being told it would make them ______.
Farmers began using pesticides after being told it would make them ______.
Match the farmer’s actions with their outcomes:
Match the farmer’s actions with their outcomes:
What did Mahendra do after realizing the ineffectiveness of pesticides?
What did Mahendra do after realizing the ineffectiveness of pesticides?
The chemicals were applied carefully and in moderation at the start.
The chemicals were applied carefully and in moderation at the start.
What did farmers initially believe would happen after using pesticides?
What did farmers initially believe would happen after using pesticides?
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Study Notes
Pesticide Use and Consequences
- Mahendra Yadav, a farmer, faces a severe infestation of moths that threaten his potato crops.
- In the early 1990s, the government promoted the use of pesticides as a way to increase crop yields and profits.
- Farmers, motivated by promises of wealth, purchased an excess of pesticides, initially with enthusiasm.
Pesticide Application Problems
- Pesticides were applied indiscriminately and often incorrectly, exacerbating the issue.
- Salespeople aggressively marketed these chemicals, contributing to widespread usage among farmers.
- Over time, some moths survived pesticide applications and reproduced rapidly, leading to a resurgence.
Environmental Impact
- The use of pesticides disrupted the natural predator-prey balance, allowing the pest population to thrive unchecked.
- Attempts to combat the moths by increasing pesticide doses or switching to new chemicals led to the emergence of resistant strains.
- New pesticides provided temporary relief but ultimately failed to offer a sustainable solution.
Current Farmer Sentiment
- Farmers like Mahendra express despair over the loss of both crops and the land's productivity.
- Mahendra has shifted towards more sustainable agricultural practices, including letting land lie fallow and modifying irrigation techniques.
- There is hope that returning to natural methods may help reduce the moth population and restore balance.
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