The Ministry of Agriculture is once again observing Pesticides Awareness Week under the theme, ‘Manage Pesticides Responsibly: Adapt To Climate Change.’
Pesticides Awareness Week is geared to improve and control the use of pesticides in the English-speaking Caribbean countries.
The Hon Minister for Agriculture, Johnson Drigo, stated that two important areas are highlighted in this year’s theme which are relevant to all Dominicans: the responsible management of pesticides and climate change.
Hon Drigo emphasized the need for the correct management of pesticides within the farming community.
“The use of pesticides to combat new pests and diseases, while necessary, has increased over the years so having set the basis for increased use, the responsibility for proper use and management must be underscored. Every farmer in Dominica, every household, every commercial enterprise must be aware of responsible action on use of chemicals to safeguard human and animal life and proper care of the environment.”
He outlined some of the Ministry’s concerns about pesticide management.
“Areas of concern include importation and sale of pesticide, effective storage and disposal of pesticides and containers, calibration and use of proper equipment, use of the right pesticides for the prevailing problem, proper dosage and measurement and proper clothing at application,” he said.
The Hon Minister noted that Dominica, a member of the Coordinating Groups of Pesticide Control Board of the Caribbean, is fulfilling its obligation as it relates to the disposal of obsolete pesticide.
“On August 26, 2016, three tonnes of obsolete pesticides was shipped form Dominica to be properly disposed of in the United Kingdom. This significantly reduces the risk of contaminating waterways and land in the event of a disaster, natural or otherwise. The theme is relevant and current to Dominica and as such we must follow the rest of the world to manage pesticides. This only augurs well for us.”
Activities for the week include sensitization and training sessions, radio broadcasts, school visits and dissemination of promotional material to the general public.