4. Discussion Since the TBP became operational, there has been a rapid transformation in agriculture practice in the study area. Over the past decades the new agricultural paradigm has brought signifi cant changes not only in the landscape but to the society as a whole. Rice production has almost completely altered the tradi tional diet, which was previously based on coarse cereals. The changing diet and lack of physical activities have taken their toll by increasing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among both men and women, and excessive weight is not confined the more affluent families. It important to note that women were more commonly found to be both overweight and underweight. rrigated land and amount of land owned are the key factors in determining the nutritional status. Rice cultivation has also changed the landscape from a semi-arid dryland, modified by seasonal rains to land having year-round moisture. This change along with overuse of fertilizers and stagnation of water old and dilapidated distributaries of the canal has augmented mos quito breeding and eventually the risks of vector borne diseases. The positive laboratory results for pesticide residues (particularly those that have been banned) in the rice grain samples, even several months after harvesting, confirm their extensive use. The presence of pesticide residues in straw shows that livestock and wild animals can also be exposed. Analysis of small number rice samples has found Hg at levels that could be a potential threat for neurological and intellectual development for the rice eating population, particularly children. Moreover, Hg in straw can enter human body through food chain. The presence of nitrate and fluoride in groundwater is another emerging environmental health issue. Introduction of new types of agricultural machinery has clearly posed some new and unprecedented public health challenges such as serious injuries and fatality, particularly in the head end area. Based on literature reviews from other studies, we suspect that farm accidents could increase s due to the lack of support systems and poor regulations related to operation of farm machines and tools e (Singh al., 2005; Nag and Nag 2004; Shah et al, 2011). The International Labor organization ILO) has stated that, along with mining and construction agriculture is one of the most hazardous employment sectors both developing and industrialized countries (ILO,