Tuesday 19 November 2013

Pesticides hurting local consumers, experts say

Rampant use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides for the protection of crops in Myanmar may have a fatal effect on land, experts said during an agribusiness conference last week.

Pesticide and fertiliser sacks commonly used by farmers in Myanmar do not show the plethora of dangerous ingredients it contains, while others falsely advertise their contents, said Daw Than Than Sein, a consultant with the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association.

“The government should take strong action against unapproved chemical pesticides and should restrict both importers and users,” she said during the Asia Crop Protection Forum held November 7 and 8. “We need to aware of quality and healthy habits.”

“An influx of agro-related [chemical] products is good for the market and employment opportunities, but if we don’t also bring educational practices, it can be really dangerous and toxic for the environment and human beings.”

The forum, which was held at Yangon’s Traders Hotel, had government officials and industry professionals from various regional countries to discuss pesticide related issues.

Wang Zulao, CEO of China-based manufacturing firm Wong’s International Holdings Ltd, also warned during the forum that importers who bring pesticides into Myanmar should do so responsibly.

“Importers have to be sure of their quality and also do the appropriate background checks of the company [making pesticides],” he said.

source: The Myanmar Times

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