Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit, Ryan Anselm, is calling on farmers to practice smart agriculture to reduce the spread of pests.
These pests, he says, are becoming more prevalent and are travelling further due to climate change and the use of harmful chemicals.
Anselm reported that through a surveillance program, the unit discovered a number of pests which have invaded the agriculture sector in Dominica.
The Ministry of Agriculture through its Pest Management Programme has sought to educate farmers on the proper use of pesticides.
“Our assessment on the ground has shown that farmers are using toxic chemicals to control pests. We want to work with the farmers, train and educate them on the proper use of chemicals. These pesticides will cause serious problems down the road for farmers, plant, animal and human health. So we are encouraging farmers to consult with the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit about the use of chemicals,” Anselm explained.
He is urging farmers to practice smart agriculture to include proper sanitation, good cultural practices and the employment of necessary drainage methods.
“There are many natural and biological pesticides which can give the desired result so we are really discouraging farmers from using toxic chemicals which will affect the natural enemy and the environment. We are asking farmers to consult with the experts before using any chemicals. The chemicals are targeted to particular pests and their stages some chemicals will only be effective on the eggs or the larvae or the adult stage.”
He stated that farmers often use chemicals that they think will be a quick fix to control their pest issues. He warns against this.
“There are soft-bodied insects and insects which will cause serious problems which pesticides cannot control like the millibugs and the scale insect. They have waxy [coverings] which protect them.
“These [toxic] pesticides have serious and negative effects…we’re very concerned about the human health aspect. So we also need to protect the natural enemies like the beneficial insects which can control the harmful ones. Toxic chemicals can kill the beneficial insects which control our pests,” Anselm says.
He is encouraging farmers to consult with the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit for the necessary recommendations to deal with pests.
