Responsible use of pesticides means using pesticides in a manner that does not contaminate the environment, or pose a danger to users, or present health hazards to consumers.
Pesticides refers to any product that is used to manage pests and diseases in agriculture, industry and domestic settings. Most pesticides are made from synthetic chemicals, some are made from natural sources. But all pesticides have potential to contaminate the environment and pose danger to humans if misused.
Responsible use of pesticides is the responsibility of all, including suppliers of pesticides, and farmers. All people involved in handling and use of pesticides should do so carefully, with due diligence to safety instructions.
This can be summarized in 5 easy steps:
- Proper choice of pesticide
- Reading and following label instructions
- Using the correct equipment and safety gear
- Using the correct handling and spraying procedure and method
- Undertaking proper disposal of empty containers and waste.
STEP 1: Choice of Pesticide
The farmer must make the right choice of the pesticide to use. He must ensure the pesticide chosen meets the need at hand, controls the identified pest, and is compatible with the particular crop. This is a very technical decision that unfortunately not all farmers are equipped to make. Pest and disease diagnostics is crucial. Farmers must be able to accurately identify the pest before procuring the pesticide. Wrong combination of pest, crop/animal, and pesticide can cause damage to the crop or animal, friendly insects, and the environment and can lead to contamination of produce.
When a farmer is unable to properly decide the correct pesticide, he should seek assistance from experts eg agriculture officers, company technicians, etc.
STEP 2: Reading the Label
Farmers should only procure pesticides with eligible labels. It is very important to read and follow label instructions carefully when using pesticides.
The label contains important information on use, such as dosage and mixing rates, as well as safety precautions to take in order to avoid contamination and health/safety risks including pre harvest and re-entry intervals.
The label also contains specific information on official toxicity levels, and will have simple to follow pictograms on safety procedures. The farmer should also check for the registration number, and expiry dates.
If the farmer cannot read the label, he should seek assistance before using the pesticide, or otherwise use professional spray service providers.
STEP 3: Using the Correct Equipment and Safety Gear
Sprayers should be well protected from contamination by wearing the correct personal protective equipment. These should cover the feet (gumboots), hands (gloves), body (overalls/suits/aprons), and head. Also Respirators and goggles to protect sprayers eyes and from ingesting through the mouth or breathing. These should be worn during mixing and spraying. The spraying equipment should be free from leaks and be properly calibrated. It should be able to deliver the right dose as recommended on the label.
The farmer should choose the correct nozzle for the job to be done. For example, flat nozzle is used for herbicide and cone nozzle are used for fungicides.
STEP 4: Correct Handling and Spraying Method
The recommended spraying procedure should always be used, from mixing to spraying. The method of spraying is determined by the pesticide, crop stage, extent of pest. Sometimes spot spraying and ring spraying are recommended. Care should be taken not to spray against the wind.
After carrying out the spray, the block should have warning signs to warn off workers and passerby’s to ensure re-entry period is observed. Surplus spray mix should be sprayed on fallow land or surrounding bush, and records kept.
All spray applications should be recorded carefully and should include details such as the date, block and pesticide used and the name of the sprayers involved. The farmer should keep all receipts and invoices for any procurement made.
Pesticides should be stored carefully to avoid spillage and contamination. They should be stored under lock and key, out of the reach of children at all times. They can be stored in a fireproof container, away from foodstuffs and living quarters. Powders should be stored above liquids.
STEP 5: Proper Disposal of Waste
Poor disposal of plastic containers can contaminate soil and ground water from residue of pesticides, which can affect the soil ecosystem and aqua system. Also, plastics take many years to break down (several hundred!) but disintegrate into small particles which effects animal feeding, and can eventually find their way back into the human food chain.
Burning of plastics releases toxic fumes, including green house gasses which contribute to climate change.
Paper cartons should be buried under 6 feet. Burial site should be fenced off and marked as a chemical disposal site. They should not be situated near water ways. NEVER burn containers in open fire.
Plastic containers should be first triple rinsed, then punctured to prevent use, then stored in a secure labeled bin, ready for collection or taken to collection site. Farmers should seek advise from AAK on the nearest collection sites.
