By Rabiu Musa
A Kano-based agricultural expert, Mr. Abdullahi Babayaro has cautioned farmers against excessive use of pesticides on crops to enhance productivity.
Mr. Babayaro, a Principal Officer at East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation Nigeria, made the call during a one-day training for farmers on sustainable control and management of disease.
The training, which was organized by Farmers Voice NG in partnership with CITAD, Fombina Farm, and Fombina Imprints, themed: “Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation, Green-house Crop Production and Disease Management of Tomatoes”, that held in Bunkure town attracted over 40 participants.
Mr. Babayaro, who spoke on; “Pest and Disease Management, emphasized the critical role of efficient pesticide application in achieving bountiful harvests”.
He revealed that “pesticides are powerful tools in protecting crops from pests and diseases, but improper use can lead to adverse effects. Farmers can avoid poor harvest by adopting precision in pesticide application, to strike a delicate balance between safeguarding their yields and preserving their farmlands”.
He further emphasized the significance of periodic assessments and monitoring of crops for effectiveness of pesticide application.
Mr. Babayaro urged farmers to keep detailed records of their application schedules, types of pesticides used, and inform any observed changes in crop health to any expert in close proximity for check-up”.
