Guidebook makes safe use of pesticides simple

The Committee assigned with developing guidance in the agricultural sector, issued the first practical guidebook on the safe use of pesticides by farmers in Arabic and Urdu.

This unprecedented guidebook covers all what needs to be known in dealing and using agricultural pesticides as well as identifying pests and the appropriate pesticide to be used for it.

Juma'a Saeed Hareb, Deputy Agricultural Sector Head at the Municipalities and Agriculture Department, pointed out the importance of boosting the knowledge of agricultural workers and farmers, in a way which qualifies them to invest all production means in the best possible way, with the highest revenue possible.

Hareb also said that to achieve these aspirations it is essential to work as one hand to carry out agricultural operations in a correct manner, while using modern technologies that facilitate the work of farmers in the field and increase the quantity and quality of production, without harming the environment.

"The agricultural committee put down this guidebook to give out all the essential advice that will assist workers to ward off the dangers of using pesticides and encouraging them to use non-harmful organic pesticides and comprehensive pest control.

"We also have to be completely sure that using pesticides is a sure way of protecting our lives from possible dangers inflicted by these pests," he added
"Our primary aim is to elevate the farmer's level of awareness in a way that will protect the community's health and the environment as well."

Hareb also indicated that it is the agricultural sector's national responsibility to offer guiding services and information for farmers while warding off all possible dangers that may result from uninformed and ignorant usage of pesticides. There are also work teams that tour guiding centres all over Abu Dhabi to give advice and guidance on these issues.

Ahmad Khalid, Director of the Protection Department in the Agricultural Sector, Abu Dhabi, said that this pictorial guidebook is the first of its kind in the UAE, and it is distinguished by its simple language.