The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has called on farmers to consult appropriate experts on use of pesticides on their produce to avoid rejection in foreign countries.
FMARD State Coordinator, Mr Tony Otuonye, made the call at a one-day technical review/in-house step-down training for technical staff of the ministry in Akure on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 30 technical staff of the ministry were trained.
Otuonye explained that the improper usage of pesticides had caused a lot of damages to the country’s produce exportation, saying that soil tests should be conducted before the application of any chemical.
“Yes, it is good to use pesticides, which mostly are not produced here. Traditional pesticides have been discarded by our farmers and they are only buying the chemical pesticides.
“We want to implore our farmers, they shouldn’t use the pesticides anyhow. They must use it appropriately.
“Our produce has been rejected by our exporters abroad due to traces of contamination by pesticides. This is affecting our country economically, in revenue generation and income generation.
“So, it has become imperative for farmers to consult experts before spraying or applying any pesticide on their farms.
“They should be well informed about the proper use of any pesticide because it is very dangerous, harmful and very injurious,” he said.
While speaking on the training, Otuonye explained that it would enable staff whose professional qualification was directly related to agricultural system to train farmers.
In her welcome address, FMARD Deputy Director (Scientific) in Ondo State, Mrs Olayinka Ajana, urged farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that poverty eradication and zero-hunger were fought in all ramifications in the country.
“There must be a development, advancement and technical improvement in agricultural system.
“For this to be achieved, there must be value addition in our agricultural system and for value addition to be achieved, there must be training for relevant stakeholders,” she said.
