Obsolete Pesticide in Iran

Annually, 32% of agricultural crops are attacked by pests and diseases in Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore, crop protection occupies an important position in Iranian economic program. The annual use of pesticides in Iran is about 24,000 tons, of which the highest amounts are related to insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. In addition, pesticides are used at comparatively higher levels in Gilan province, whereas they are used at the lowest level in Sistan and Balouchestan province. With respect to the consumption level, it should to be noted that about 2,069,786 million dollars is spent on importing pesticides and raw materials into the country.The present survey includes all obsolete pesticides which are not currently in the list of national registered pesticides or cannot be used due to various reasons such as being damaged or decayed, having exceeded the expiry date, or being recommended not to be used by POPs and PIC conventions. To be able to assess the current situation, storage conditions, and the types and levels of existing obsolete pesticides, visits were made to the storage rooms and warehouses of organizations and companies, where obsolete pesticides are stored. The main organizations which store these pesticides in Iran are: 1. Agricultural Support and Service Company (ASSC), 2. Plant Protection Organization (PPO), 3. Rural Cooperative Organization (RCO), and 4. Cultivation and Industrial Units (CIUs).According to the latest information in 1382 (2003-2004), the existing levels of obsolete pesticides are 637 tons, about 396 tons of which are stored in ASSC warehouses. Also, because the largest ASSC warehouse is situated in Tehran province, the largest amount of obsolete pesticides is stored in this warehouse, which is about 308 tons.