By Qudsia Bano ISLAMABAD, Feb. 17 (INP-WealthPK): Pesticides that are produced from natural sources are commonly referred to as organic pesticides. They usually come from plants, such as pyrethrum (pyrethrin), rotenone or ryania (botanical insecticides); or minerals, such as boric acid, cryolite, or diatomaceous earth. Plant pesticides that are produced from natural materials are referred to as organic insecticides. This does not imply that they are chemical-free; rather, their compounds are sourced from botanical and mineral sources. They must still be used with caution. Chemicals attack the body at nearly all times of the day. They can be found in the air, the food we eat, the personal care products we use, and even our drinking water. Biochemical, microbiological, botanical, and mineral-based organic insecticides are derived from plants, insects and naturally-occurring minerals. Dr Sajjad, a senior scientist at the National Agriculture Research Council (NARC), told WealthPK that in Pakistan most farmers spend heavily on fertilisers and pesticides, which not only affects environment but also pollutes the groundwater. This form of farming feeds into industrial production, processing and distribution system, which adds more chemicals along the way. The costs of this industrial model for agriculture are astounding and far-reaching, yet they go unnoticed since industrial production, which uses more chemicals and machines, produces food that is cheaper, better in appearance, but chemically poisoned. He said that organic farming and organic pesticides have the potential to create niche markets for high-value, non-traditional, indigenous and local agricultural products. “Organic farmers not only pay more to their workers, but they also have more control over on-farm and off-farm environmental costs. They save money on production by eliminating use of costly inorganic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. Organic farming also helps prevent soil degradation.” Dr Sajjad told WealthPK that farmers' willingness to convert to organic farming is closely linked to the size of conversion grants the government extends to them. He said that subsidies for conventionally-produced foods are currently limiting expansion of organic agriculture. “However, payment of premium to growers on production of organic fertilisers and pesticides may help grow the organic agriculture industry to a desired level.”