Director General Department of Agriculture (Extension) Punjab Dr Anjum Ali Buttar said there are several causes of soil pollution in urban and rural areas. He observed that there was a need to implement a programme to ensure healthy soil, food and people. They maintain that the excessive use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and sprays cause skin cancer and respiratory diseases alongside damaging soil fertility. Agricultural economy expert Amir Hayat Bhandara says human activities are the main cause behind soil pollution in Pakistan. “Land pollution disrupts the earth’s productive capacity and hampers economic progress.” “In addition, the number of cities is increasing due to exponential population growth and deforestation is worsening the pollution overtime,” he explained.

Source: The Express Tribune October 24, 2020 03:45 UTC