Ghana ag experts warn of increased pesticide misuse
They note that the over-application of agrochemicals, as well as wrong timing in its usage by farmers, contaminates foods. The situation leaves residues of these chemicals in foods which are eventually consumed by the public. They are also worried about the application of chemicals to vegetables to forcefully induce ripening and make vegetables attractive.
“Some farmers use the chemical dithane to help the tomatoes attain very red colour. Most of us will go to the market, you take the tomato and see this yellowish powder on it. How many of us take time to wash the tomato before consuming it?” Agric Consultant with Meridian Agricultural Aaron Attefa Ampofo quizzed.
Agric Extension officer in the Fanteakwa District Christian Zormelo told Joy news that a lot of farmers ignore guidelines which limit the proximity to harvest when pesticides can be used.
AgricAaron AttefaAmpofo attributes the situation to the fact that a lot of these farmers are illiterate and don’t understand safety instructions. “We have a huge problem because between 30 to 70 percent of the farmers producing vegetables are illiterate. With the improvement of science, agro chemicals are not the simple chemicals we used to know. So you need some minimal education or sensitization to decipher between which chemicals to use at what time,” he explained.
Source: ghanaweb.com
