Posts

Our trip to Europe Sep 2024

Image
 27  September, 2024                An idea of visiting Europe had taken roots many years ago. We were supposed to go to Europe last year. However, in view of delay in getting our new passports with recent residential address in Mumbai, that visit did not materialize. In January this year, our German friend visited us with his family. He was keen to host us during our stay. It was his long awaited wish to visit Germany. Initially we hesitated for fear of inability to do it, partly because of our age. I recalled as to how old ladies in 1995 were staying at hostel in UK and touring around. We resolved to go ahead, as if it is not now, it will never be. Abhi nahi to kabhi nahi. . So, we started preparing in March for our visit in September. September is pleasant in Europe. The summer is fading out and so is tourist rush as the schools and colleges in Europe start opening.   We also hoped that hotel prices will come down. A rough sketch was to visit Berlin, Mainz, Paris, Venice, Pisa, Ro

Development of pesticides in India-A case study of Paddy [Rice] insecticides

Image
       Rice crop in Nov 2022 Pesticides are important component of crop protection. They have played an important role in reducing crop losses by controlling pests and diseases. Over the years, pesticide consumption has been on increase. About 60,000 tons of pesticides are consumed in India. In view of increasing awareness of environment and human health, pesticides are under constant scrutiny for their efficacy and safety. In India, 339 pesticides are registered for use as insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, weedicides and others under the Insecticide Act 1968. Assessing the development of pesticides over the past seven decades has become a priority. Paddy [Rice] insecticides are used herein to track this developmental path. Forty-one insecticides and their more than seventy formulations, besides 46 combinations of insecticides with other pesticides are registered for control of pests of paddy in the country. These insecticides belong to as many as 13 major groups based upon mode