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AGRICULTURE

Assembly bans use of agro-chemicals in communities

The West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region, has banned the use of weedicide and agro-chemicals in human settlements, because it has been proved to be harmful to the people and domestic animals.

Date Created : 8/3/2009 : Story Author : GNA

Mr. Zakaria Sulley Abudu, District Chief Executive, told the GNA at Walewale that some people in the area had complained that chemicals, used for spraying weeds in gardens and backyard farms had caused the deaths of domestic animals and poultry as they drunk water that was polluted by the chemicals and fed on the sprayed grass.

He explained that rain water had washed agro-chemicals into water bodies, including dams and streams from which animals drunk, as well as wells from which the people fetched water.

Mr Abudu expressed concern that the chemicals could affect aquatic creatures such as fishes and crocodiles, "destroy organic life in the soils, and kill insects that are needed for the pollination of crops.

He said users of the chemicals, who did not wear protective clothing, were also at risk of contracting diseases.

Mr. Abudu said the assembly was collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency to educate the people on the usage of agro-chemicals and its effects on their health.

He said the Assembly had dispatched letters to churches and mosques to educate the congregation on the effects of chemicals and the need to avoid using agro-chemicals.

Farmers in the area have, in recent times, taken to the use of weedicides imported from neighbouring countries to destroy weeds because they consider it cheaper than human labour.