Use of pesticides good but poses health risks

A farmer sprays on vine leaves to control pests and fungi.  PHOTO | AGENCIES 

By Sturmius Mtweve , The Citizen Reporter

 

In Summary

• There has been of recent an increase in the application of pesticides in crop production. This has increased trade in green food exports such as vegetables, fruits and herbs from African to European markets.

Dar es Salaam. Food is now a major concern to consumers across the world given the fact that there is an increase in the level of understanding and public health awareness on food selection.

There has been of recent an increase in the application of pesticides in crop production. This has increased trade in green food exports such as vegetables, fruits and herbs from African to European markets.

However, poor agricultural practices, including misuse of pesticides, poses health risks to farmers and communities and can lead to high residues in food products that reach consumers. Internationally, trade is affected when contaminated products are discovered in consignments and importers reject them altogether

Although pesticide application leads to pest control, pesticides may also harm useful insects, animals, fish and other aquatic species and pollute water sources, thus aggravating health risks.

Tanzania, as any other country in the East African Community bloc, must revolutionise agriculture to meet growing national demands for nutritious and safe food and increase agricultural exports. But such agricultural revolution needs precaution as it may easily lead to higher use of pesticides and other agrichemicals and depletion of national resources such as water.

Use of pesticides

Pesticides refer to any substance or a mixture of substances or microorganisms, including viruses, intended to repel, destroy or control any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, nuisance pests, unwanted species of plants or animals causing harm during or otherwise interfering with production, processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood products or animal feeds or which may be administered to animals for the control of insects, arachnids or other pests in or on their bodies.

Benefits of pesticides

Pesticides have numerous beneficial effects, including crop protection, preservation of food and prevention of vector-borne diseases for crops. Without them, it is hardly possible to get good harvest.

Due to an increase in the number of pests and diseases, which tend to infect plants in farms – that can lead to low production, low quality yields, pesticides are important for crop production and management.

Agricultural experts say that land is becoming scarce, and this calls for application of pesticides to maximise production. However, a major challenge especially to smallholder farmers and agro dealers is lack of awareness especially on side effects and agro-guides.

Lack of these skills has been among the root cause of water and soil pollution – resulting from improper repackaging and poor pesticide disposals like burning of wastes and obsolete pesticides