Farmers have been cautioned against the use of cheap and sub-standard agro-chemicals for their own safety and that of the environment. Mr. Obrien Nyarko said those unapproved chemicals could cause cancer and blindness.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting held by the Food and Agriculture Ministry at New Edubiase, he said there was another downside – low crop yield and damage to soil nutrients.
It was attended by agro-chemical sellers, farmers and extension officers and it provided the platform to discuss ways of tackling the proliferation of unauthorized agricultural inputs – fertilizers and pesticides, on the market.
Some unscrupulous people are reportedly selling these inputs to unsuspecting farmers, something that has become a big worry.
Mr. Nyarko called for decisive action by the appropriate state institutions to rein in the illegal activity and stop smuggling of banned and fake agro-inputs into the country.
He encouraged the farmers to make sure that they bought agro-chemicals from designated shops and accredited sellers.
It was also important for them to follow safety instructions and correct application of the chemicals.
The District Director of Agriculture used the forum to counsel against excessive use of fertilizers and other soil conditioners, saying, that could result in the contamination of ground water by nitrate – a chemical compound, which in large concentration is poisonous to both man and animals.
Source: GNA
