Use pesticides safely and responsibly!

Pesticides are vital in agricultural productivity. However, pesticide misuse can severely affect human health, the environment, and the quality of agricultural goods. To use pesticides safely and effectively, authorities must increase instruction for farmers to follow technical principles.

Currently, the index of pesticides allowed for use in Vietnam has 4,021 types, of which chemical pesticides have 3,287 types (accounting for 81.74%) and biological pesticides. There are 734 types (accounting for 18.26%).

Pesticides control and remove hazardous pests and illnesses, increasing production and output and preserving agricultural goods. This agricultural input will recover more than half of worldwide food production because of the detrimental effects of pests, diseases, and wild grasses, generating considerable economic loss and severe effects on farmers' lives and earnings. Pesticides have a vital function.

However, pesticide misuse can have catastrophic repercussions. Pesticide application by farmers in many areas today still has several flaws, failing to adhere to the "4 right-side" principles (proper material, perfect dose, correct concentration, correct manner, correct time). The majority of them are only concerned with the chemical's applications.

Faced with this situation, in recent times, the Plant Protection Department has made efforts to implement many solutions to guide farmers and pesticide dealers on technical measures when using pesticides. As of November 30, 2021, the Plant Protection Department has signed a commitment to coordinate implementing "guidelines for safe and effective use of pesticides, development of production and use of pesticides". Biological organisms" with ten pesticide enterprises.

Pesticide safety and effectiveness training was provided to over 142 thousand farmers and 14 thousand agents. Over 1,300 storage tanks will be built, and pesticide packaging will be collected and treated after use. Over 150 thousand hectares of rice, pepper, coffee, tea, fruit trees, and vegetables are being developed. Along with it comes a commitment to ramp up manufacturing and development of biological dopes.

Propaganda about Environmental Protection to people

Create the "Program to Develop the Production and Use of Biological Pesticides for the Period 2021-2025" to raise the number of registered biological pesticides to 30 by 2025.% and increase the number of biological pesticides utilised by 20%.

Dong Thap province has participated in a program run by the Department of Food Protection to help farmers use pesticides safely and effectively. The Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Rural Development oversees the implementation. The initiative's primary purpose is to assist local farmers in gaining access to and training on safe, effective, and responsible pesticide usage, therefore helping to increase awareness and behaviours. Farmers should use chemicals wisely to avoid overuse. Concurrently, develop safe, high-quality agricultural product production models that fulfil guidelines for granting planting area codes.

On that basis, the program will be implemented with three major contents: training in the safe and effective use of pesticides for farmers and local officials, with a focus on pesticide use principles, techniques for mixing drugs, spraying and handling drugs, IPM principles (Integrated Pest Management-IPM), instructions for using labour protection equipment when exposed to drugs, and instructions for collecting and processing medicine packages after use... Positive model outcomes will serve as the foundation for extending to additional Mekong Delta communities and countries.

Along with collaborating with municipalities to promote the safe, effective, and responsible use of pesticides, the Plant Protection Department will need to continually and frequently monitor and tightly control pesticide input in the coming years. Only new-generation and biological pesticides are permitted.

Continue to give a defined roadmap and work closely with associations to eliminate medications that do not adhere to legal requirements. Farmers remain the primary target of governmental agencies, groups, and enterprises. Therefore, the topic of farmer training, coaching, and propaganda is critical. A specialised training plan for farmers on using pesticides safely and effectively is required. Pesticides must be designed to increase the usage of biological pesticides so that the goods generated fulfil the safety and efficacy standards and are exportable.

Source: Lang Son portal news