Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit, Ryan Anselm, is calling on farmers to practice proper sanitation.
Anselm, in an interview with GIS News, addressed some issues which the unit is currently facing with farmers.
He stated that the quality of crops goes beyond inspection and packing for export to the fields.
Anselm wants farmers to exercise good agricultural practices.
He says, “Once you plant the crop, you have to do the necessary de-leafing, sleeving and cultural practises so that your crop meets the quality requirements ensuring that the pest population is kept very low.
“I want to tell farmers that a quality issue is not only an inspection process at the port when your food is either accepted or rejected.”
The Head of Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit also raised the issue of spraying crops before harvest.
“If you’re bringing your fruits and vegetables to the market, we want you to observe and respect the harvest intervals. Some people are spraying chemicals on vegetables and by the next day or two are bringing them to the market. That can affect human health.
“We’re expecting farmers to adhere to the harvest intervals and regime.”
Farmers will soon be further trained by the Dominica Bureau of Standards.
