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)