Arsenic in rice grossly exaggerated claims Croplife

By Roshenka de Mel

Croplife Sri Lanka announced that recent scientists’ claims to excessive amounts of arsenic being present in pesticides are grossly exaggerated.

Croplife Chairman, Rohitha Nanayakkara rejected the findings of scientists from Kelaniya and Rajarata Universities who claimed that 28 pesticides used in Sri Lanka contain excessive amounts of arsenic and mercury, and are responsible for the chronic kidney disease, which is prevalent in Anurahapura, Polonnaruwa and Dehittakandiya.  

Nanayakkara questioned the validity of the research conducted by the scientists who he claimed had not used proper research methodologies nor adhered to internationally accredited laboratory practices. Nanayakkara addressed his concerns about the negative consequences of the misleading information on the agricultural industry and the economy. Already the effects of the arsenic accusations have proved worrying with a shipment of rice being held in Turkey on suspicion that it contains arsenic.

Nanayakkara outlined the crucial role pesticides play in improving agricultural productivity.  He emphasized that the pesticides used in Sri Lanka are regulated by the WHO and the use of arsenic and mercury as active ingredients in pesticides is prohibited. He explained that pesticide reduce harvest loss, reduce labor input and allow for more yield from less usage.  They also protect food yields from weeds and insects that would otherwise destroy crops.  Nanayakkara explained how demand projections show that by 2050, the world demand for food will have doubled fuelled by population and economic growth. He stated that increased urbaninisation will also make it necessary for more food to be produced on less land. He explained that pesticides play a crucial role in making this possible and without them the impact to the economy would lead to a reduction in export revenue, a reduction in rice consumption, a drop in paddy prices which would incur less income for farmers, greater risks of pest outbreaks and lower crop productivity.

In his presentation at the Chamber of Commerce, Nanayakkara urged the public and media to contain the concern and confusion being caused as a result of the scientist’s messages. He requested for public figures and media bodies to try and prevent what he deemed an exaggerated message from spreading through society and causing any more harm than it already has.