By Ahmed Ahmed
Agricultural Experts in Bauchi state have urged the state government to train young farmers on the use of pesticides and fertilizer to avoid secondary pest outbreaks.
They made the call at a Programm Filii ga Manoma interactive Agricultural Extension Service (AES) Radio Programme for Small Scale holders (SHFS) sponsored by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) monitor by our correspondent in Bauchi recently.
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The programme with framework of Together Against Poverty TAP Project implemented by CISLAC with the support of Oxfam.
Dr Iliya Gital Agronomist and farmer frown at indiscriminate use of pesticides by farmers, stressing the need to train the trainers for them to go back and train Farmers in their communities.
He said pesticides have become an integral part of present day farming, and play a major role in increasing agricultural productivity.
“However, the indiscriminate and extensive use of pesticides represents one of the major environmental and public health problems,he said.
“Pesticides can lead to secondary pest outbreaks, destruction of non-target species soil, water, and air contamination and residues in primary and derived agricultural products that endanger both the environment and human health,” he said
The Agronomist calls on the state government to train young farmers, training the trainers in their communities, that would go a long way in reducing the dangers involved in use of the pesticides.
Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Abubakar State Chairman Agro inputs Union explained that farm workers are exposure to pesticides has been associated with adverse health effects like cancer and birth defects resulting in hundreds of fatalities.
“Farmers, and especially those directly involved in the handling of pesticides, are at a high risk of exposure to pesticides through contact with pesticide residues on treated crops.
“Unsafe handling, storage and disposal practices, poor maintenance of spraying equipment, and the lack of protective equipment or failure to use it properly,” he said.
Mr Thomas said farmers are not aware of how to apply pesticides and farm inputs in the farms.
“The government needs to do more in terms of training, especially the upcoming farmers committed to farming and fighting hunger.
“To also determine the knowledge and awareness of the farmers regarding pesticides, and their experiences with acute pesticide poisoning in connection with handling pesticides.
“This would also assess farmers’ practices and attitudes regarding storage, handling and disposal of pesticides,” he said.
Mr Haliidu.Saadu a farmer who call from Toro lamented that farmers are ignorant of how to use and apply farm inputs.
He said training farmers alone may not be sufficient to reduce the risk posed by pesticides.
“They need Interventions that would provide farmers with information and knowledge of pesticide safety should be complemented with other strategies,” She said.
