Farming community called upon to be cautious about the use of pesticides: Report

A lecture given in Tessenei town regarding the use of pesticides and seeds stressed the need for farmers to cautiously utilize pesticides in line with the advice of agricultural experts, as it has negative effects on biodiversity. Tessenei, 26 June 2010 – A lecture given in Tessenei town regarding the use of pesticides and seeds stressed the need for farmers to cautiously utilize pesticides in line with the advice of agricultural experts, as it has negative effects on biodiversity.

The lecture was offered to members of the farming community from the sub-zones of Tessenei, Forto-Sawa, Golij and Haikota, during which it highlighted the negative impact of improper spreading  of pesticides in soil fertility and pollution of water, air and environment. 

Mr. Abrahaley Halemichael from the Agriculture Ministry’s branch in Gash-Barka region indicated that the method being resorted to by farmers in combating pests through spreading wrong quantity and quality of pesticides is one of the causes for poor harvest and environmental damage. In this respect, he emphasized the paramount importance of crop rotation in boosting production.

The head of regional service control unit in the region, Mr. Hagos Gebremariam said on his part that the Ministry would undertake serious supervising activities concerning resort to illegal pesticides in Tessenei, Golij, Haikota and Forto-Sawa sub-zone in accordance with the proclamation adopted in 2006.