Using weed killers indiscriminately: Short-term solution

In many areas from fields to home gardens in Ha Tinh , it is easy to see patches of grass burnt yellow. That is the result of people spraying weed killer. Mr. Tran Van Tai (Dong Thinh village, Hong Loc commune) said: "We are very worried when some people spray weed killer. In addition to the purpose of killing weeds, they are probably afraid of animals such as snakes, rats, etc., so they spray it everywhere."

Interspersed among the green fields are banks of grass burned yellow.

According to the industry, there are currently two types of herbicides: selective and non-selective. Of these, herbicides that are highly specific and best suited to eliminating a specific plant without killing other plants are called selective herbicides. Non-selective herbicides such as Glyphosate, Glufosinate, Paraquate... kill all plants they come into contact with.

In response to people's needs, many non-selective herbicides have appeared on the market, including fireweed. It is worth mentioning that, according to experts, fireweed is only used on abandoned land, rubber, coffee, but many people use it to spray on fields, home gardens... Mr. Phan Tat T. (Phuc Son village, Xuan Loc commune) shared: "Spraying fireweed on the banks is to prevent rats and insects, but the local government prohibits it, so we spray it secretly."

It is not difficult to see images of burnt yellow grass from along the roads to the edges of fields and home gardens.

Also according to regulations, for sellers, when customers come to buy weed killer, they must give specific instructions on the locations where it is allowed to be sprayed... However, currently at many stores selling plant protection drugs, reporters can still easily find and buy weed killers.

Not only sold in stores but also on social networking sites, the sale of herbicides is quite widespread. More worryingly, since 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) has issued a decision to remove pesticides containing the active ingredient Paraquat from the list of pesticides used in Vietnam. In addition, there are a number of other active ingredients that are also prohibited such as 2.4D, Glyphosate... However, in reality, on social networking sites, the advertising of herbicides containing the active ingredient Glyphosate is still taking place openly.

The sale of herbicides containing the active ingredient “Glyphosate” is open on social networking sites.

For some people, using weed killer brings many immediate benefits when spending less than 100 thousand VND to kill weeds on a fairly large area. However, according to experts, weed killer contains a number of toxic active ingredients, if used incorrectly, arbitrarily increasing the concentration will be dangerous for users, crops, animals and the environment.

People are worried about the widespread spraying of herbicides.

Dr. Nguyen Nu My Ha - lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture - Environment, Ha Tinh University said: "The herbicide contains the active ingredient Glufosinate-ammonium . Spraying the herbicide incorrectly can have negative effects on humans, animals, and other organisms. For humans, it can lead to diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, cancer, respiratory disorders, dermatological, digestive and endocrine effects, especially for pregnant women and children. In addition, herbicides also affect the soil environment and seep into water, affecting groundwater."

Ms. Ho Thi Thuy - Head of Plant Protection Department, Department of Crop Production and Livestock talked with reporters of Ha Tinh Newspaper.

Ms. Ho Thi Thuy - Head of Plant Protection Department, Department of Crop Production and Livestock Production said: “According to regulations, the sale of herbicides is not prohibited but can only be used for spraying in uncultivated, non-production areas. Meanwhile, sellers are required to provide specific instructions on permitted spraying locations for buyers and only sell to those who need to spray in permitted locations. Although specialized agencies have coordinated to inspect and supervise the sale and use of herbicides, because the force is small while the number of trading establishments is large, it is difficult.”