EXCESSIVE AGRO CHEMICALS HARMFUL TO HUMANS-SCIENTIST

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A Senior Research Scientist at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR at Fumesua in Kumasi, Dr. Moses Muchiah says although the use of agrochemicals in farming is beneficial, its excessive use could be very harmful and dangerous to human lives.

 It is also a threat to the socio-economic transformation of society. 

He has therefore advised farmers to be circumspect in the use of agrochemicals as part of efforts to continually harvest quality agricultural yield including vegetables for the entire population and for export.

 Dr. Muchiah made these remarks at a sensitization programme on the proper use of agrochemicals for some vegetable farmers at Kentinkrono in Kumasi.   

 Apart from the vegetable farmers, research scientists of the CSIR and representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture also participated in the programme.

 Dr. Muchiah reminded the farmers about some important activities and tips which needs particular attention to ensure that they realize enough yield annually. 

These include site selection to identify the land’s fertility, observing a host free period to allow the land to regain its nutrients after harvesting, regular spraying and clearing all weeds.

 Dr. Muchiah also advised the farmers to desist from using only one brand of agrochemical for a longer period saying that, the best practice is to vary from one chemical to the other every two farming seasons. 

An officer from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Michael Kumah also noted that aside from end users of their produce experiencing harmful effects on their health as a result of the improper usage of agrochemicals, the farmers themselves are also at risk of contracting various health complications.

 To this end, Mr. Kumah admonished the farmers to employ basic spraying practices which are not only safe but economical to prevent their produce from being contaminated with chemicals.

 A vegetable farmer, Baba Abdul on behalf of his colleague farmers appealed to the directorates and agencies of MOFA to inform vegetables about the approved agrochemical shops to help forestall the purchase of inferior chemicals.

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