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CPC warns farmers against pesticide mishandling

By on October 3, 2015

The Consumer Protection Council has advised farmers and users of pesticides and other agro-allied chemicals against improper handling because of the grave health implications.

The Director-General, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, who gave the advice in an address to a workshop organised by the council in collaboration with the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme- Nigeria, said mishandling of the chemicals could cause death, cancer, miscarriage and respiratory diseases, among others.

Atoki’s address, which was read by the Director, Quality Assurance and Development, CPC, Mr. Emmanuel Amlai, was made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Thursday.

The CPC boss said the mishandling of pesticides, herbicides and rodenticides had “led to death in some cases, while some people had developed illnesses like cancer and respiratory diseases and miscarriages, among others.”

She warned retailers of substandard or banned pesticides to desist from doing so or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

Atoki said the agency would not spare from prosecution anybody caught selling any of the banned chemicals.

“Let me sound a note of warning to those unscrupulous retailers who engage in the sale of banned and substandard pesticides that my council will ensure that anyone caught in the act will not be spared from the full wrath of the law,” she said.

Atoki appealed to farmers and other users of the chemicals to dispose their remnants and their containers at sites approved for such, saying improper disposal could pollute underground water.

She added, “Consumers are also expected to understand the environment and the consequences of chemicals in order to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.

“As pesticide users, it is, therefore, expected that you will recognise standard pesticides even from their labels and packaging, and you should use them responsibly to avoid damage to health and the environment.”

 

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