ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | June 29, 2022 – To protect the public from the risk inherent in the use of pesticide and to educate the agricultural sector in the use of agricultural inputs, FPA Zamboanga Peninsula conducted a training on Safe, Responsible and Effective Use of Agricultural inputs to 40 farmers in Tuburan, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte last June 28, 2022.

Provincial Officer (PO) Dionn Mark Bohol emphasized that farmers must be aware of proper labels in pesticide products to ensure that they are not fake.  The product labels should include: Statement of composition by percentage

• Registration or provisional permit number
• Name and address of the holder
• Common name
• Net contents, in metric unit
• Adequate directions on methods of usage and time of application
• Warnings and cautionary statements, including symptoms of poisoning and first aid treatment measures
• Indications of hazards, including appropriate photo warnings
• Instructions concerning decontamination and safe disposal
• Label claims, if any
• Lot number and year of formulation
• Further statements prescribed by any other government instrumentality (Greenbook, 2020).

PO Bohol encouraged the need to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when handling pesticide. Wearing PPE prevents the staff from inhaling, absorbing, or prolong contact with harmful chemicals in pesticides.

He also promoted the adoption of Balanced Fertilization Strategy for a safe, sustainable, and productive farming.

BFS is the combination of 4Rs (Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate) when applying fertilizer. This strategy ensures that the correct concentration and nutrients required by the soil and the crop are applied. Thus, it assures the quality of crops and improves soil health.

The training was in coordination with Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Zamboanga del Norte. ###