Minister cautions farmers against pesticides misuse

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR authorities have ordered local farmers to strictly follow expert guidance when using pesticides, warning that indiscriminate chemical use threatens public health and risks locking crops out of key commercial markets.

Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Anna Athanas Paul, told an agricultural workshop in Kizimbani that improper chemical application remains widespread, posing severe risks to consumers and farmland.

“Let us stop using pesticides without following expert guidance,” Paul said, adding that compliance is essential for farmers seeking to access higher-value markets and boost incomes.

She said some farmers continued to use agricultural chemicals contrary to recommended procedures, a practice that could expose communities to health risks and create other harmful effects.

The minister urged farmers to make full use of the knowledge provided through the training so they could increase their incomes while improving access to markets for their produce.

She stressed the importance of applying pesticides correctly and according to professional advice, particularly because inappropriate use can affect both the safety of agricultural products and the health of people consuming them.

The training was designed to help farmers understand responsible pesticide use and the importance of following established procedures when applying agricultural chemicals.

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Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Dr Salum Soud said the education being provided would help create safer conditions for consumers.

Speaking at Kizimbani-Dole, he said proper use of pesticides was also important for protecting the environment and maintaining the health of agricultural land.

He warned that failure to follow recommended procedures could pose risks to human health as well as other living organisms.

The deputy minister said responsible pesticide use should therefore be considered part of good agricultural practice rather than simply a requirement imposed on farmers.

For farmers, proper handling and application of pesticides can also help protect the quality of their produce and improve consumer confidence.

Training and extension services can help bridge the gap between agricultural production and safe, modern farming practices by ensuring farmers understand the correct use of chemicals, appropriate application methods and potential risks.

The officials therefore called on farmers to work closely with agricultural experts and follow professional instructions whenever using pesticides.

They also emphasised the importance of protecting the environment, particularly agricultural soils and other ecosystems that support farming and community livelihoods.

The training at Kizimbani is part of broader efforts to promote responsible agricultural practices and ensure that increased production does not come at the expense of public health or environmental sustainability.

For Zanzibar’s farmers, the message is straightforward: Better farming is not only about producing more. It is also about producing safe, quality food while protecting the land and communities that depend on agriculture.