Bengaluru (Karnataka): Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers D V Sadananda Gowda said that Government may put a ban on 30 pesticides in view of environmental concerns and in an attempt to promote organic farming.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Gowda said that the prices of N-95 masks have gone down by up to 47% as masks have been made mandatory for everyone. He said that the Central government's decision of imposing lockdown has proved to be successful in controlling the spread of the virus. Excerpts of the interview are:
Government may ban 30 pesticides in view of environmental concern, says Union Minister Sadananda gowda Q1. What are the steps taken to ensure medicines during the lockdown, both covid and non-covid related medicines and equipment?
A1:Central Government has ensured that there is sufficient supply of covid and non-covid related medicines and equipment. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims for Atma Nirbhar Bharat and for this very purpose, around Rs 13,000 cr has been allocated for pharma park and other medical equipment. Jana Aushadi Kendra is selling medicines at low cost, especially to poor people ensuring that all sections of society can afford medicines at a reasonable cost.
Q2. Price of N-95 masks are high and there is a PIL in Bombay High Court. Why has the government not fixed the price of N-95 despite it being an essential item?
A2: Prices of N-95 masks have gone down by up to 47%. We came to this conclusion because wearing masks have been made mandatory. Around 130 crore people should have masks now. We are reviewing the entire situation and we will announce more details soon.
Q3. What's government procurement price of N95 masks and why even doctors still need to pay, in some cases Rs 300 or more for N95 masks?
A3: In initial days, hoarding and black-marketing of masks and hand-sanitizers took place. But after the intervention of the government, strict guidelines issued to the Drug Controller of India, things have come under control. Central and the state government have strictly adhered to the guidelines of DCI following which prices of essential commodities like masks and sanitizers are in control.
Q4. What is the status of the stock of medicines in the state?
A4: We have sufficient stock of medicines. Recently, we have exported hydroxychloroquine to China, America, France, Italy and Germany after they requested. We review in every three days about our medicinal requirements.
Q5:Will a ban be imposed on 30 fertilisers? Your comments
A5:Sustainable development is the need of the hour. We may ban 27 pesticides in view of environmental concerns. After chairing a meeting with experts and putting our idea in the public domain, we will draw a final conclusion.
Q6. Now Covid numbers are rising, like 6,000 or more cases in a day. What is the government's plan to tackle the surge in demand for medicines other essentials?
A6: Central government's decision of imposing lockdown has proved to be successful in controlling the spread of the virus. WHO has also lauded preventive measures taken by India. Narendra Modi government has analysed ground realities before coming up with a solution. Co-operative federalism and necessary steps needed to curb corona were taken by the government and the state government in a planned manner.
No farmer will have a shortage of fertilizers. Even during the lockdown, we were supplying pesticides. We faced labour shortage but we have performed well. States have piled up the stock of medicine, double their requirement.
Kerala and Karnataka have very well tackled corona. In Karnataka, there are 57 operational testing labs and three more will be stationed within three days. Technology has been used to its best and Arogya Setu app has given a digital push in a fight against Covid. Kerala's model is the best, however, we saw a surge in positive covid-19 cases as foreign nationals have returned. Groundwork was brilliantly handled at local levels, including Panchayat. I congratulate Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his commendable efforts.
Q7.What is the status of import of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) from China?
A7. India is leading in the pharmaceutical industry, but we used to import 68-70% of API from China. But now PM Modi wants Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Around Rs 13,000 cr has been allocated for pharma park and other medical equipment. I think it will take more two years for India to have its own API. As soon as production starts in our country, we will halt the imports.
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