It’s high time, we must get rid of plastics in modern agri-practices

New Delhi: According to a research study, the extensive use of plastics in agriculture can have grave threats to both environmental and human health. Hence, there’s the urgent need to reduce plastic use in agriculture.

Emerging data on leaching of toxic additives and tiny fragments from plastics called micro-nanoplastics into the water, ground, and air show impact on human health, the research says.

It added, petroleum-based plastics are not biodegradable and persist in the environment, with residues accumulating in the soil and can also be taken up by plants as they break into tiny plastic particles and enter our food chain via trophic transfer.

It is essential to recognize the indispensable role plastics have played in modern agricultural practices. They serve myriad functions – from acting as mulch films and nets to being used as storage bins.

The contribution of plastics to food production, weed and pest control, soil moisture preservation, temperature regulation, and enhancing nutrient uptake and plant growth cannot be overlooked.

Yet, this widespread utility has its downsides, leading to significant waste and triggering a chain of consequences – with impacts on human and environmental health that are not fully understood. A concerning revelation is the sheer number of chemicals used in producing plastics. The researchers strongly advocate for the use of environmentally additives to curb toxicity.

According to the researchers, a multifaceted approach is needed to tackle the issue. They propose strategic measures, including responsible usage, efficient collection, reuse, and the promotion of innovative recycling methods to mitigate the fallout from agricultural plastic usage.