Today, it is a fact that in Mauritius, most of the farmers use pesticides in their plantation as there is a high incidence of pests and diseases and it is very difficult to control them without these chemicals. The issues related to the use of pesticides are:

a) Protective clothes
Many farmers in Mauritius do not find it important to protect themselves while applying the substance to their plantation. As a result, their health is affected gradually and they may not even be aware of it or they simply ignore its effects. With respect to this problem, my friends and I made a video as an assignment for a module on ICT and communication in agricultural extension. Below is the video (which is not of good quality due to lack of better equipment):

b) Using the wrong dosage 
Being in the field of farmers a few times with extension officers of the Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU), the question that they usually ask when there is incidence of pest or disease in their plantation is: Which “Medicine” can you give me for it? As soon as they see their plants getting affected, they will go for a pesticide application. For some farmers, they use pesticides wrongly by applying a quantity other than the recommended one or they mix different pesticides and apply it as they think that while doing this, the product will be more effective and the yield will be higher. In order to sensitize farmers on this issue, the Extension service of the Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU) regularly organize group meetings, provide field visits, make publications on the subject, where the farmers are made aware of the consequences that this practice may have on the product (considering food safety) and as well as its impacts on the environment. Moreover, pesticides are very expensive and using an excess leads to an increase in the cost of production and decrease in revenue generated after harvest.

c) Disposal of pesticide wastes 
Empty pesticide containers are usually seen in field of farmers, which can affect the human health and our ecosystem. This can be seen in the pictures below (Taken during a field visit in Mauritius):

With regards to this problem, a project has been initiated in Mauritius as shown in the videos below: 

The way forward
a) Biological control/ Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

To reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals by planters in the country, more emphasis must be laid on biological control of pests or the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Several research have been done on this and farmers are being encouraged by the extension services to adopt these practices. However, biological control may seem not to work for farmers who are used to apply pesticides as its effects are usually long-term and the visual quality of the products are not same. 

b) More sensitization campaigns
Sensitization campaigns on the use of pesticides should not be the responsibility of research and extension, but all stakeholders involved in agriculture (Input suppliers, Ministry, private sector, NGOs etc.). 


c) Find a concrete solution for the problem of waste disposal
For a small country like Mauritius, waste disposal has always been a challenge, whether it is in agriculture (pesticides/chemicals or waste from livestock), or other solid wastes (plastics, chemicals from labs, industries etc.). Concrete solutions regarding waste disposal need to be found by the Government to protect our Paradise Island!

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1 Comment

  1. Anonymous 07/09/2012 at 10:05

    I live in south Africa, and have worked in the agricultural industry for 14 years now, and wandered ifntherenwas any opportunity for work their especially in expertise. Of dosages and the correct chemicals to be used and clothing etc

    Brandon@hbdcc.co.za

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