''EU bid to ban Endosulfan driven by trade interests''

Chennai, Jan 21 (PTI): The European Union''s bid to enforce aworldwide ban on use of Endosulfan pesticide, citing healthhazards, was driven solely by trade interests, the PesticidesManufacturers and Forumulators Association of India allegedtoday.

"The plea of health hazard in use of Endosulfan is far fromthe truth and EU in a bid to promote its patented products ismaking attempts to ban it," Association president Pradip Davetold a press conference here.

He claimed there was no scientific study to prove that useof Endosulfan resulted in health hazards. The pesticide wasbeing used by farmers in India, China and Latin Americancountries, he said.

Dave said India produces 80 per cent of global Endosulfanand any move to ban it would have an adverse impact on thefertiliser industry of the country.

Endosulfan is used to protect horticulture products, hesaid.