In order to cut costs, Arap Sang says, most of the tea firms have now embraced the more cost-effective method of aerial application of the fertiliser. Although this resident agrees that aerial application of fertiliser has many advantages, he's, however, concerned by the health effects it has on people living around the tea estates. "The major problem with this method is the disastrous effect it has on the health of residents," Sang blankly puts it. "Our observation is that whenever the fertiliser is applied using planes, residents living within a 30km radius of the area of operation fall ill. Are Nema officials sleeping on the job or are they in bed with owners of this tea farms?

Source: Standard Digital June 13, 2017 04:41 UTC