Public warned about pesticides

Public warned about pesticides

JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Food Crops and Horticulture
Amrin Kahar called on the public yesterday to be wary of the
increasing amounts of pesticides used in the agriculture sector.

Amrin said that despite their effectiveness, pesticides --
which include both herbicides and insecticides -- can have
negative health and environmental effects if not used properly.

Speaking at the opening of PT Zeneca Agri Products Indonesia's
new sulfur-phosphate-based herbicide factory, Amrin explained
that, based on National Pesticide Commission data, supplies of
herbicides derived from imports and local manufacturers have
increased in the last six years.

The utilization of chemicals increased from 4,200 tons in 1989
to 15,500 tons last year, he said.

"And the upward trend looks set to continue in the coming
years," Amrin said, as quoted by Antara.

This is happening, he said, despite the fact that the
government no longer provides farmers with subsidies to purchase
pesticides. Pesticides are now freely sold and distributed on the
market with little government control.

Pesticides are still an important part of the farming process
and the development of food crops and horticulture, partly
because they require minimal labor, time and money to apply and
because they minimize the soil damage caused by tilling, he said.

"But their application must be monitored because, although
useful, the chemicals have the potential to produce negative side
effects," Amrin said.

He explained that the government is currently developing and
promoting integrated pest management practices, a system based on
ecological, economic and sociocultural principles.

In integrated pest management, he said, the application of
pesticides is the last resort for farmers.

The system does not reject the use of pesticides, but
minimizes it for the sake of health and environmental
preservation, Amrin said.

Farmers are being urged to take special care in selecting the
appropriate type and quality of pesticides, he said, adding that
the chemicals should be applied at the right time with the
correct equipment, method, dose and concentration. (pwn)