Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and representatives of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) met with Mahaica farmers recently to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to safety standards when using pesticides.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that 220,000 people die each year because of acute pesticide poisoning, with an estimated 25,000 being agriculture workers mainly because safety standards are poor. It noted too that in many countries protective clothing are not worn, proper washing facilities are not available or utilized, and there is not sufficient enforcement or pesticides are poorly labelled.
In recognition of this phenomenon, the ministry and the PTCCB have urged farmers to comply with safety standards, especially regarding wearing the correct protective gear. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Persaud noted that ministry is taking steps to ensure that farmers and other stakeholders are aware, trained and given the tools to properly use pesticides. Chairman of the PTCCB, Dr Leslie Munroe said “the effects are long-term and can lead to chronic illnesses; therefore people must be aware and take the necessary precautions. The exercise, therefore, aims to reinforce the fact that pesticides are pervasive.”
The ministry is also taking steps to ensure that pesticides and fertilizers that are imported do not endanger health and wellbeing as 200 of the 700 pesticides used worldwide are hazardous. At the outreach, the ministry demonstrated the use of the Tracer Kit Technology, which was developed in the 1980s and detects pesticide residue utilizing a florescent tube and ultra violet light. It reminded farmers that it is vital that they comply with all phytosanitary standards in order for the country’s produce to be competitive on the international market. Persaud also noted that climate change has far reaching effects for Guyana’s economy since local produce would be deprived of markets in the global arena causing the economy to suffer a loss of about 10% GDP.
GINA said the meeting was held at the Little Baiboo Farmers’ Committee Building.
