Pakistan: More farmers turning to sewage
Some say that usage of effluent has increased by 25% in agricultural production recently.
Farmer Arshad Mahmood said that farm land with access to effluent sources commands a higher price than that which does not. He also said that use of such water lessened the cost of production by 40%.
"After irrigating fields with waste water, crops do not need pesticides and fertilisers," he said.
"Vegetables need frequent watering for growth, but there is no electricity to run tube wells. The only source available is to draw water using diesel pumps, which is unaffordable for small farmers," he claimed.
However, medical experts warn that the increasing use of sewage for food production poses significant risks for the people who consume the produce.
Dr Shafqat Ali said that food poisoning complaints arise when humans consume food from land irrigated by polluted water, which, along with the nutrients desired by farmers, also contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, toxins and carcinogens.
Source: tribune.com.pk
