Thailand, 24 May 2006
Read the label: Expert's key advice on agrochemicals
Careful use of chemicals to support 'World's Kitchen'

Rice farmers Mr. Chalo Wongsanong and Mrs. Bhuppa Wongsanong, two of 745 farmers attending the technical seminar on "Safe and Judicious Use of Chemicals" in Bangkok.

"Every time you buy an agrochemical product, and before using it, please read the label carefully in order to understand how to use the product," head of the Department of Agriculture Dr. Adisak Srisanpakit told 745 farmers attending a technical seminar on 24 May 2006 at Kasetsart University, Bangkok.

Addressing farmers, government officers and agrochemical distributors, Dr. Adisak explained that the careful use of farm chemicals would lower production costs, environmental damage and chemical residues on food. He emphasised this to support government policy on promoting Thailand as the "World's Kitchen."

Another expert, Dr. Apichai Daorai of Kasetsart University explained how to select, store and apply agrochemicals properly. Along with others, he advised on the correct disposal of empty pesticide containers.

To deal with waste management of pesticide containers, Dr. Vichai Korpraditskul from the Faculty of Animal Science and Agricultural Technology of Silpakorn University stressed the need to work with the regional industry association CropLife Asia and the Thai Crop Protection Association.

Rice farmer Mr. Chalo Wongsanong told CropLife Asia, "We have been keeping our farm chemicals under a tree." The wife, Mrs. Bhuppa Wongsanong added, "Now, we will go back to the farm and put the chemicals in a box with a secure lock."

"The most important things we learned today are proper spraying techniques, storage of agrochemicals, and the correct way to destroy pesticide containers after use," Mrs. Bhuppa concluded.

The seminar on the Safe and Judicious Use of Chemicals was organised by Thai Crop Protection Association and Thai Agro Business Association, with the support of 10 other groups representing government, industry and farmers.

China, 09 May 2006
Safe use trainers hone training skills
Use of PPE recommended as last line of defence

"Reading and understanding labels, maintaining sprayers, personal hygiene and exercising caution when handling products should be continuously and heavily promoted to farmers.” -Martin Gibson, Stewardship Director, CropLife Asia

Industry and government-based trainers in China learned practical ways to help farmers use pesticides safely and effectively. The 30 trainers attended a one-day seminar organised by CropLife China on 9 May 2006 in Guanghan, Sichuan Province.

Martin Gibson, Stewardship Director of CropLife Asia, designed and delivered the seminar to improve teaching and presentation skills of trainers working with farmers.
Observing that personal protective equipment (PPE) is often over recommended as the first line of defence in handling pesticides, Mr. Gibson emphasised that, "Reading and understanding labels, maintaining sprayers, personal hygiene and exercising caution when handling products should be continuously and heavily promoted to farmers. By getting these activities practised regularly, we reduce the reliance upon PPE as a defence mechanism."

To support the trainers, CropLife China produced and distributed the manual on Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides to all participants.

With the seminar and the manual behind them, the participants feel they are now well prepared to bring stewardship activities to farmers' fields.