Big debate: To use or not to use agrochemicals?

Agronomist and Director Merrychem Company Limited Mr Stephen Ayungo who is also a Director (Product Development) in Stenna Crop Science on the good and bad of agro chemicals.

1. There is a raging debate as to whether agro chemicals cause cancer but research has confirmed this. What is your take on this?

I think we need to approach this issue very soberly. The body tasked with the registration and regulation of pesticides in the country Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) is rigorous and competent.

Pesticides are assessed on their carcinogenicity aspect among other toxicological properties before they are registered. Those found to contain any carcinogenic properties are not allowed in Kenya.

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Further, the Agricultural Association of Kenya (AAK) and other stakeholders have been in the forefront equipping farmers with necessary knowledge of safe use of pesticides through seminars.

2. There are some that argue that the problem stems from the fact that most farmers do not use the pesticides correctly from the application...

It is true that many farmers flout the rules when it comes to agro chemicals application. But there are some who follow the correct guidelines. But it is critical for a farmer to follow the right guidelines when using agro chemicals.

3. It is obvious that there is need for more awareness on use of agro chemicals among farmers... 

Yes, there is need for that. Some outlets especially in the outskirts of major towns, employ unqualified personnel, but through the many trainings and seminars by Agricultural Association of Kenya and other stakeholders, these individuals are equipped with appropriate skills on pesticides safe use.

There is need to encourage the counter sales people to insist on safe use of agrochemicals purchased by farmers from their outlets.

4. Do farmers seek proper prescription of chemicals they use from experts and agricultural extension officials or just buy them from stockists?

To be honest, many of them do not consult experts. But it is important before farmers order for a chemical, they must contact an expert or an agricultural extension officer.

Even among the stockists themselves, we do have experts who advise farmers over the counter.

5. What should a farmer know before deciding on the type of chemicals to use on their farm?

First, the farmer must be aware of the crop, the crop growth stage he/she wants to use the pesticide on, personal protective measures and the target pest.

Equally important is the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) period and Re- entry period for the pesticide chosen to target that pest, the rate of application and the recommended empty pesticide container management programme to protect the environment.

6.  There is no doubt that these chemicals have a negative side. Going forward, are there alternative methods to control diseases and pests on the farm?

Yes, there are. These methods include use of parasitic wasps such as diglyphus for the control of leafminers, which is incorporated in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.

One can also use traps and pheromones, cultural methods and use of plant extracts which have pesticidal effects such as neem extract and many others.

Unfortunately, these methods have not been adopted on large scale farming systems due to their labour intensiveness, high cost of production and slow mode of action to cope with aggressive pests such as Fall Armyworm (FAW) on maize.

7.  In Uasin Gishu County, tests have been done on soil PH to determine specific variety of fertiliser to use in various zones. Can specific agrochemicals be restricted to certain regions?

 No, pesticides can only be crop specific in some instances but not region-specific unless a particular pest or disease cannot be found in certain regions due to the environmental conditions of that area.

8.  The methods of chemical application can also be hazardous not only to users but also to environment and livestock. What precautions should farmers take when applying chemicals?

Farmers need to adhere to wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), stick to the recommended PHI, observe re-entry periods which are clearly indicated on product labels, read the product label before use and practise safe disposal of empty pesticide containers.                                                            

9. Do you think the government through various agencies has played its role in protecting the health of farmers who use chemicals?

As stated earlier, the Kenyan regulatory body, PCPB is the most respected world over.

Any pesticide registered in Kenya is safe for use. The only area the government may need to pull up their socks is to seal the entry of substandard and possibly cancerous products from other neighbouring countries.

AAK has been doing a good job in training both farmers and stockists on safe use of agrochemicals. I could be wrong to say that they have not moved in all the 47 counties in the republic of Kenya.

The county governments have also been instrumental in sensitising farmers on the same especially when we have major outbreaks such as the recent Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease and Fall Armyworm.  

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