Pesticides Workshop Planned

Details

Environment Articles

Saturday, 12 November 2011 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St John's - The Agricultural Extension Services Division will hold an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop for agricultural producers on November 16 at the Fisheries Complex at Point Wharf.

The workshop is part of initiatives to reduce the level of pesticide dependency and intensity, which has the potential to negatively affect our biodiversity and consumers’ confidence in the quality of food.

The session, due to run from 9 am to noon, is the first set in a series to offer a holistic solution to agricultural producers, according to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quality Control Officer in the Extension Division Joel Matthew said, "The objective is to reduce direct human exposure to pesticides when other means such as mechanical/physical, cultural, biological, genetics and environmentally active pesticide approaches are available.”

He stressed that, in light of the global economic downturn, “We find ourselves approaching a critical point where the optimization of resources is becoming paramount to the economic survival of all countries. Antiguans & Barbudans must now think in terms of 'sustainable development' using and managing resources to strengthen our economy while preserving a healthy environment.”

Montserrat Tackles Transport Crunch Antigua St. John's - The grounding of Fly Montserrat has created something of an inter-island transportation crisis in the neighbouring isle, and the... read more

According to Matthew, some farmers continue to utilize various pesticides for their economic benefit, however, “if not administered appropriately may lead to negative effects on the environment (soil, water and air).” Thus, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), he said, offers a farm base systematic approach which can be used to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks.

Other benefits of IPM include:

·   Improved consumer confidence in the quality of food
·   Decrease in resistance of pest, diseases and weeds to chemical control.
·   Conservation of natural enemies and decrease pesticide usage
·   Reduce agricultural losses due to pests and increase farmer income


Among the resource persons in the Ministry down to address the farmers and producers are Director of Agriculture Jedidiah Maxime, Plant Protection Officer Dr Janil Gore-Francis, and Director of Analytical Services Dr Malverne Spencer. 

About 60 agricultural producers are expected to attend.

• < Prev
• Next >