Glue board manufacturers have come together to form the Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA), an apex body dedicated towards the betterment of the industry. It’s a new coalition committed to enhancing pest control management, particularly in relation to rodent control. The GBMA brings together leading glue board manufacturers with a shared vision of improving industry standards, safeguarding public health, and protecting vital industries from the adverse effects of rodent infestations. GBMA is advocating for the continued use and manufacturing of glue traps as an essential tool in pest control, especially rodent management. GBMA aims to address the recent regulatory challenges that will impact the availability and effectiveness of glue boards. Combating the rodent crisis is essential and glue boards are protecting industries and agriculture from significant losses as well as reducing the spread of diseases.
According to the Indian Grain Storage Management & Research Institute, IGMRI, rodents, commonly known as rats, have been identified as a “National Pest” since 1975, making them a significant threat to humanity. Rodents not only eat grains but also contaminate 20 times more with their waste, hair, and sometimes their bodies. The estimated annual food grain losses due to rodents range from 2.4 to 26 million tons, enough to feed 235 million people. What does this figure say? Around 23 crore people in the country face hunger because of rodent infestation alone!! If we consider other factors, this number could rise further.
The GBMA is actively seeking to overturn the 2011 and 2020 circulars that recommend restrictions on the manufacturing and use of glue traps. These circulars have introduced significant obstacles to the pest control industry, hindering efforts to manage rodent populations effectively. In addition to challenging these regulations, the GBMA is calling for an immediate stay on any actions related to the ban on manufacturing, use, and importation of glue traps.
Mukesh Patel, Secretary, Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA) and Managing Director, Arbuda Agrochemicals said, “The formation of the Glue Boards Manufacturers Association marks a significant milestone for the pest control industry and a positive step in our efforts to protect public health and safety. Glue boards are a vital component of integrated pest management strategies, providing an effective, non-toxic solution to control rodent populations. Our aim is to ensure that glue boards remain an essential tool in managing rodent populations, thereby protecting public health, supporting industry and agriculture, and maintaining hygiene standards. The 2011 and 2020 circulars pose a serious threat to our industry’s ability to deliver these impactful solutions to curb losses to industry, agriculture and human lives. We urge regulatory bodies to reconsider these restrictions and work with us to develop balanced regulations that safeguard both human and animal interests.”
Mukesh Patel further added that, “We are committed to working with regulatory bodies, industry, and the public to promote the safe and effective use of glue boards. GBMA is calling on all stakeholders, including pest control professionals, public health officials, and concerned citizens, to support our efforts in ensuring the continued availability of glue boards. Together, we can protect our communities from the significant risks posed by rodent infestations.”
