With the growth of the agricultural sector in recent years, the consumption of chemicals and pesticides is growing in Georgia. The use of fertilizers and pesticides has a positive impact on yields and the sector in general, although the dangers posed by mismanagement of expired pesticides and chemical fertilizers are alien to farmers.
According to the National Statistics Office, the number of pesticides consumed increased significantly, reaching 3081.1 tons in 2014 and 5391.3 tons in 2019.
At present, the law "On Pesticides and Agrochemicals" is in force in the country, which discusses in detail the issues of effective and safe use of pesticides and agrochemicals. The law addresses issues of expired and banned pesticides, the neutralization of their containers, methods of destruction and disposal.
Despite the current laws and regulations in this area, there is no information on the disposal of expired pesticides or agrochemicals in the country, expired pesticides or chemical fertilizers are not registered and subsequently neutralized. There is also uncertainty over control of pesticide use.
Based on the above, we face two main problems in the country. On the one hand, the issues provided by law are not supervised and monitored. On the other hand, the country does not have the equipment and infrastructure needed to dispose of expired pesticides and agrochemicals.
Improper, uncontrolled use of plant protection chemicals and pesticides can significantly pose a threat to the environment, which will eventually lead to contamination of soil and atmosphere, drinking and irrigation water.
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