Pesticide in Food Chain: Impact and Regulation
摘要
The application of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has long been recognized as a crucial strategy for safeguarding crops and ensuring productivity. These pesticides are essential inputs aimed at achieving sustainable production by mitigating crop losses. However, overreliance on these chemical agents can lead to adverse environmental effects, particularly on soil quality, water resources, and the organisms inhabiting them. Persistent pesticides have been identified as pollutants, penetrating natural ecosystems and entering the food chain, raising concerns such as trophic cascades observed worldwide. To address these challenges, countries have implemented precautionary measures, including stringent registration procedures, pesticide residue monitoring programs, and comprehensive surveys on pesticide poisoning and human exposure. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of interventions remains inadequate, particularly in impoverished and developing nations. Furthermore, variations in pesticide legislation among countries pose barriers to international trade. Therefore, the role of policymakers is pivotal in ensuring the safe, necessary, and prudent application of pesticides in agriculture.