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?
Mahendra Yadav’s main crop is tomatoes.
Mahendra Yadav’s main crop is tomatoes.
False
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 ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the farmer’s actions with their outcomes:
Match the farmer’s actions with their outcomes:
Signup and view all the answers
What did Mahendra do after realizing the ineffectiveness of pesticides?
What did Mahendra do after realizing the ineffectiveness of pesticides?
Signup and view all the answers
The chemicals were applied carefully and in moderation at the start.
The chemicals were applied carefully and in moderation at the start.
Signup and view all the answers
What did farmers initially believe would happen after using pesticides?
What did farmers initially believe would happen after using pesticides?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the challenges faced by farmers like Mahendra Yadav, who grapple with the consequences of pesticide use in agriculture. This quiz delves into the story of pest control, the impact of government advice, and the ongoing struggle against agricultural pests. Test your understanding of these complex environmental issues.
