The federal government has adopted effective application of pesticides and improved storage of agricultural produce to boost agricultural production in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Edet Sunday Akpan, disclosed this at the sensitization workshop on the promotion of safe pesticide application to enhance food security in Nigeria in Suleja, Niger State, yesterday.
The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Director, Health and Biomedical Services in the ministry, Mr. David Erabhahimen, further said that it is the responsibility of the government to create awareness in farmers on the proper use of pesticides to boost agricultural outputs and prevent fatalities on humans and agricultural produce.
He said the ministry was carrying out the sensitization in collaboration with the Niger State government to ensure sustainable food security and safety in the country.
The ministry, he said, previously embarked on similar sensitization campaigns in Oyo, Katsina, Rivers, Kebbi, Gombe and Cross River states with success.
The North Central Zonal Director of Operations of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Nwagbara Charles, in his speech said food safety is of utmost national importance.
He added that the use of artificial food ripening chemicals such as calcium carbide was hazardous and poisonous for human consumption.
He recommended improved and sustainable government policies to checkmate the increasing menace.
The director further stated that government’s regulatory agencies should be on the lookout to gather reliable data on the prevention of application of calcium carbide on agricultural produce.
