By Omotayo Edubi
Every farmer both local and commercial farmers use chemical pesticide to control damages caused by pest, get rid of weed and diseases in their farm with aim of increasing production.
Although the use of these chemicals have some benefits of increase in yield, its chaotic and excessive use also create a serious impact on the environmental components and human health.
The present scenario of pesticide use doesn’t seem to be satisfactory. Safe pesticides are also showing their ill effects in the long run and the problems such as bio-accumulation and bio-magnification are being magnified day after day.
Recently, the Director General of NAFDAC banned 30 pesticides along with other chemicals such as Agrochemicals / Pesticides, All Chromium compounds.
All Mercury compounds, All Refrigerant Gases (R22, R134a, R600a, R407c, R410a etc) , Ammonium Nitrate , Ammonium sulphate , Calcium Carbide, Calcium hydrogen orthophosphate, Chloroform, Denatured alcohol or Methylated Spirit etc. Were also banned, stating that they are harmful to human health and environment.
At least all corners of the earth and living things in it and even the unborn have already been affected by so-called benefits of pest control.
A chemist, Victor Ukegbu who spoke to NatureNews, said the most important factor is compound.
“As far as compound is concerned, amount is everything because compounds are actually poisons”.
“Excessive and uncontrolled use of pesticides can contaminate soil, water, turf and other vegetation.
“Pesticides can be toxic to other animals such as birds, fish, bees, beneficial insects as well as non-target plants and animals”.
