Farming First » pesticides

Safe Use Training for Kenyan Farmers

Editor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:27:19 +0000

In the 1980’s, as more Kenyan farmers moved to using crop protection products as part of their growing practices, a clear need emerged for safe use training to ensure these farmers used their products safely and responsibly. In 1991, CropLife International launched its first Responsible Use Pilot Projects.

In Kenya, an initial phase focused on “training trainers” in order to build a sustainable local base of knowledge and enable large numbers to be trained in safe use quickly. The project evolved over time and expanded, initiating the use of innovative methodologies to reach multiple stakeholders. A radio broadcast, “Using Chemicals Safely”, reached thousands of listeners and became one of the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation’s most popular shows. Textbooks, drama, and song played an important role in rural schools as the importance of educating youngsters was established. This was complemented by further training of farmers and retailers, helping many reach the standards set to meet Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards, an important certification for exporters.

The success of the Kenya pilot project has led to the training of more ‘master trainers’ who are now involved in training activities in several countries in the Africa and Middle East region. Partnerships have been formed in several countries, including with IFDC, the United States Agency for International Development, GTZ, the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization and Belgian Technical Cooperation to carry out these projects.

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Providing training in Integrated Crop Management (ICM)

Editor — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:49:28 +0000

The plant science industry trains over 300,000 stakeholders every year in the safe use of its products and in integrated crop management (ICM).

Successful programs, like in India, have allowed farmers to improve the quality of their production and access new markets.

For example, Muvva Ramachandrao, a chili grower in Andra Pradesh, India, has been able to improve the quality of his chili crop, which he can now sell it at much higher prices.

He has reduced his loss from pest damage from 40 per cent to under 10 per cent and uses less pesticide and fertilizer. The improvement in quality is such that his chilies now command a premium price in a competitive market.

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Improving Yields through Better Access to Seeds and Pesticides

Editor — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:44:33 +0000

GM crops and crop protection products can help increase yields by limiting losses.

Since 1996, the average yield impact across the total global area planted with insect resistant traits over the 11 year period has been +5.7 percent for corn traits (or an added 47 million tonnes of corn) and +11.1 percent for cotton traits (or an added 4.9 million tonnes).

In some countries, the benefits can be much higher, such as in India, where yields from cotton have increased by 54%.

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Increasing Water Efficiency in Pesticides

Editor — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:21:01 +0000

Improving the formulation of pesticides and moving towards more precise irrigation and applications systems can help increase water efficiency.

For example, the use of air induction nozzles, which mix air with the spray liquid, can reduce water volumes used from 1,500-2,000 liters with conventional sprayers to 200-800 litres.

If the water-based sprays are combined with high precision application nozzles, water use can be brought to 10-50 liters per hectare.

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