Unbridled use of pesticides, chemicals posing grave health risks: Dr Khader

'Roundup chemical, a weed controller makes soya bean dangerous to consume'

Excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in modern day farming is posing grave health hazards, said Dr Khader, an agricultural scientist.

Speaking at a programme ‘Back to Health’ organised by ‘Apnadesh’ organisation at Vijaya Vittala Vidyashala in Mysuru on Sunday, Khader said, not many are aware of the health risks posed by consuming vegetables and fruits grown with unbridled use of chemical fertilisers.

Soya bean has been projected as the most nutritious food loaded with proteins. But, ‘Roundup’ chemicals are sprayed to control the growth of weeds, making the soya bean dangerous to consume. It reduces the haemoglobin content in the blood and is carcinogenic, Dr Khader, a homeopathy practitioner, explained.

Dr Khader also pointed out the marketing strategies of the companies, which claim that the beans have 30% protein content. But, it is necessary to explain that our ‘avarekayi’ and groundnuts too have 24 to 26% protein. While the groundnut oil, coconut oil are good for health, the companies have been projecting them as high on cholesterol and bad for health, he mentioned.

Chemicals in chocolates

Khader also explained about the chemical contents in chocolates.

“Children are addicted to chocolates, but later suffer from asthma, headache and other problems. Steroid content in junk and bakery foods are directly responsible for obesity among children.

The agricultural scientist and an advocate of organic farming, Khader said that 50% of the Indian population would be suffering from diabetes by 2020. It is believed that consuming food prepared using wheat flour will control diabetes. But, consuming wheat as a staple food will cause new diseases, he warned.

It is necessary to accord a priority to the healthy food habits, he said. Apnadesh Mysuru unit president Kumaraswamy was also present.