The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the world's food security. Various chemical products, known as agrochemicals, are used to ensure crop productivity and animal husbandry. However, the improper use of these products can lead to serious risks to human health and the environment. In this article, we will address the safe management of agrochemicals in the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of adopting responsible and sustainable practices to protect the health of workers, communities and ecosystems.
Public domain image taken from Commons.wikimedia
It is necessary to remember the term agrochemical, making it clear that these products are chemical substances that are used in agriculture and livestock to control pests, diseases, weeds and other factors that can affect production. Among the most common agrochemicals are insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides among others.
The safe handling of agrochemicals is essential for the following reasons:
- Protection of human health: Exposure to agrochemicals can lead to a number of health problems, such as acute and chronic poisoning, respiratory diseases, cancer and reproductive problems. Proper management minimizes the risk of these conditions.
- Environmental protection: Agrochemicals can pollute water, soil and air, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Responsible management helps to prevent environmental pollution.
- Sustainability of agricultural production: The proper use of agrochemicals contributes to the sustainable production of food, ensuring the availability of quality agricultural products for future generations.
Among the principles that should be considered is to read and understand the labels, before using any agrochemical, it is essential to carefully read the product label to know its composition, mode of action, recommended dosage, potential risks and safety measures. Use appropriate personal protective equipment: in order to protect the worker and producer from exposure to agrochemicals, gloves, boots, protective glasses, respirator and face shield should be used. on the other hand, the application instructions shown on the label should be followed regarding the dose, the method of application, the time of application and the appropriate climatic conditions.
Likewise, agrochemicals should be stored safely in a cool, dry, ventilated place and out of the reach of children and animals. The containers should be stored in an upright position and tightly closed. also
empty containers should be disposed of responsibly. they should not be thrown away or incinerated. They must be triple washed and perforated before being disposed of in a place designated for this purpose.
To achieve the aforementioned, it is an obliquaion to promote the training and knowledge of agroeocosystem workers on the safe handling of agrochemicals. Implement health surveillance programs by conducting periodic medical examinations of agricultural workers to detect possible adverse health effects due to exposure to agrochemicals. Of course, the use of alternatives should always be encouraged, whenever possible, such as biological control methods, integrated pest management, among others. In addition to what has always been talked about, promote sustainable agriculture since, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic agriculture, can help reduce dependence on agrochemicals.
| Final considerations |
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Dear readers, the safe handling of agrochemicals is a shared responsibility of all actors involved in the agricultural sector, from producers and agricultural workers to government authorities and agrochemical producing companies. By adopting responsible and sustainable practices, we can protect human health, the environment and ensure the production of food in a safe and sustainable way for future generations.
| Bibliographic references |
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- Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations. (2024).Integrated pest and pesticide management.Retrieved in June 2024 at: https://www.fao.org/pest-and-pesticide-management/es/
Sources
- Photography and Images: The images used are in the public domain, information that can be verified at the bottom of the photo where the link was placed.
- Agrotecnia banner: made by the author @amestyj with own images
