Farmers have been advised to strictly adhere to recommended guidelines for the use of chemicals on crops to minimise risks to public health.
Proper handling and application of agricultural chemicals can help reduce the potential for harmful residues on produce and mitigate adverse effects on human health and the environment.
CropLife Zimbabwe vice chairperson Mrs Mazvita Shumba said they were working with Government extension officers to educate farmers on proper handling of chemicals.
“As an association, we are trying our best to work with Government extension services to ensure farmers receive adequate information regarding the use of chemicals.
“Some farmers resort to using unregistered chemicals on their crops, while others apply registered chemicals at rates not specified on the label,” she said.
This malpractice, Mrs Shumba, not only negatively affects the health and safety of the farmers themselves but also poses a significant risk to consumers who ultimately consume the produce.
She noted that farmers often fail to observe the recommended pre-harvest interval (PHI), which is the minimum time that should pass between the application of a pesticide and the harvest of the treated crop.
This oversight increases the likelihood of excessive chemical residues on food products, posing a risk to consumer health.
“This is caused by various factors such as lack of knowledge, lack of regard for human safety, especially where there are cash crops involved and lack of understanding of how to administer and follow the harvest intervals,” she said.
Contaminated food crops with chemical residues are subsequently harvested and distributed to the market, posing a risk to public health as unsuspecting consumers ingest these toxic substances.
“We urge all farmers to carefully read and follow label instructions, seek training when needed, and adhere to proper agrochemical use practices, including respecting harvest intervals and application guidelines,” she said.
Mrs Shumba said comprehensive measures were being taken to combat chemical-contaminated food, prioritising food safety, protecting public health and ensuring a secure food supply chain nationwide.
“We are stepping up measures to curb this by also increasing campaigns together with our partners, both the Government and the private sector, to ensure this awareness is raised.
“The consequences of this non-compliance are far-reaching, underscoring the need for enhanced farmer education, stricter regulation and robust monitoring systems to safeguard public health. However, there are risks that come with buying or using counterfeit and illegal products.
“These products pose a triple threat to health, income and the environment. Untested and unapproved chemicals often contain unidentified ingredients and banned chemicals, which can harm humans, damage crops and devastate livelihoods,” she said. – Herald
