NEGLIGENCE OF PESTICIDES OVERUSE...by Victor eke mba | 21-09-2017 17:16 |
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 Pesticides are now considered as the most source of fruits and food contamination nowadays, pests attack to fruits are not the only fear man entertainment for food security, but the means or method of food preservation are now the highest and most threat man faces during consumption of food and fruits. Man question each day is how to control the use of pesticides and at what measurement is best to use for preservation, for we to continue we need to know what is a pesticide ? it is any substance or mixture of substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests that damage our crops, food etc. Though often misunderstood or referred to as insecticide, pesticides cover a wide range of substances including: 1. Herbicide for controlling weed or unwanted vegetation. 2. Insecticides for controlling a wide variety on of insects. 3. Fungicides used to prevents the growth of molds and fungi. 4. Disinfectants used for preventing the spread of bacteria. 5. Rodenticides used for controlling mice and rat. What are these pests ? To my understanding I will say pests are living small organisms which are present where they are not desired or that cause damage to crops or humans or to other animals. Example include: insects, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, bacteria, mice and other animals. In Nigeria there had been serious lamentation by agric specialists on the ignorance and negligence of proper application of pesticide on farmer, some laments include the indiscriminate use of pesticides such as herbicides and insecticides by Nigerian farmers and grain dealers which had persisted over the years and poses a serious threat to human life and the environment. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have lamented the ugly situation and called on the government to put control measures in place so as to avert the dangers associated with it. One of the stakeholders, Mr. Nnamdi Ukoko, an agro products supplier said that many of our farmers are largely unaware of the health implications of the chemicals to themselves (farmers) and consumers as well. He said, ?The chemicals are not safe moreover the farmers use them anyhow. Many of them do not follow recommendations. They don?t know that the chemicals harm the crops, the soil and poison water bodies around the farm.? Another stakeholder, Mr. Anthony Edeh, an agronomist, attributed the indiscriminate use of herbicides and insecticides by farmers and sellers of agricultural produce to illiteracy. ?Many of our farmers cannot read instructions on the labels. They don?t wear protective apparels when spraying the chemicals which are harmful to the body. Some of them even mix the chemicals with their bare hands,? he lamented. He disclosed that some of the chemicals our farmers use in the country have been banned and urged the government to create awareness and sensitize the farmers on safe use of agro chemicals through extension agents and other avenues. No matter pesticides affect different people differently, But children are most affected or may be more sensitive to some pesticides than adults. Compared to adults, they breathe in more air and eat more food relative to their body size, increasing their exposure. When they play on floors or lawns or put objects in their mouths, they increase their chance of exposure to pesticides used in yards or lawns. Also, their developing bodies may not break down some chemicals as effectively as adults. In the environment people of any age with asthma or other chronic diseases may be more likely than healthy individuals to get sick after pesticide exposure. Some individuals are also more sensitive to the odor or other irritant effects of certain pesticides. But no matter what their individual sensitivities, people in the greatest danger of pesticide illness are those whose exposure is highest, such as workers who mix or apply pesticides. People who use pesticides in their homes may also be overexposed and become ill, especially if they do not carefully follow the directions on the product label. People living near agricultural fields are more likely than urban residents to be exposed to farm chemicals (although their exposure may not necessarily be high enough to cause harmful effects). Though pesticides are not yield-enhancing chemicals like fertilizers, they reduce the damage caused by insect pests, diseases and weeds. It is estimated that each dollar invested in pesticide control gives a benefit of approximately $4 in crop saved, and overall losses to pest would increase by 10% if no pesticides were used at all and specific crop losses would range from zero to nearly 100%. Due to it is unstoppable and continuous use of this farm chemical substance preventive steps are to be taken, steps such as. * Buy organic and locally grown fruit and vegetables. * Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. * Know which fruits and vegetables have higher levels of pesticide residue. * Grow your own produce. * Use non-toxic methods for controlling insects in the home and garden. |
