In the affidavit, PCK Managing Director said the allegation that the aerial spraying of the insecticide was started in 1976 was false. The PCK began regular spraying only in 1983.
The affidavit said that tea mosquitoes started attacking cashew plantations in the earlier part of 1977, causing a vertical fall in yield and production. As the conventional method failed to prevent the attack, the PCK management sought expert advice from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) and the KAU. They had advised the PCK to use aerial spraying of specified pesticides . Endosulfan was the most prominent among the pesticides recommended.
The CPCRI, Kasaragod, had done a study in 1977-78 on the request of the PCK. The CPCRI suggested that aerial spraying of Endosulfan was effective and economic against the attack of tea mosquitoes.
The CPCRI sent a list of pesticides in which Endosulfan was included. The Directorate of Cashew Nut Development sent a list of Chemicals recommended by the All India coordinated Cashew Improvement Project and the National Research Centre for Cashew which included Endosulfan for controlling tea mosquitoes.
The affidavit said spraying was carried out only as prescribed and advised by the authorities. The mixing was done as recommended by the experts and spraying conducted after obtaining sanction from the District Collector and publishing the same through the media and public notice. The PCK took all precautionary steps at the time of spraying.
The affidavit added that Endosulfan used by the corporation was approved for application on edible crops by Central and State governments.Its production distribution and application had never been banned by any of the competent authorities in the country under the insecticides Act or any other law.
Prof.John Kurakar
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