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NAFDAC lauds IITA-CWMP for training 659 spray service providers

By Gbenga Akinfenwa
25 June 2017   |   3:50 am
The trainings, which were conducted with about 659 trained participants, built the capacities of spray gangs already existing in local communities on the safe use and application of herbicides.

The trainings, which were conducted with about 659 trained participants, built the capacities of spray gangs already existing in local communities on the safe use and application of herbicides.

Nigeria’s food and drugs regulator, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has applauded efforts of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)-led Cassava Weed Management Project (CWMP), for training spray service providers at the grassroots on the application and safe use of herbicides in Abia, Benue, Ogun and Oyo states.

The trainings, which were conducted with about 659 trained participants, built the capacities of spray gangs already existing in local communities on the safe use and application of herbicides.

According to a statement, signed by Communication and Knowledge Exchange Expert, IITA-CWMP, Godwin Atser, NAFDAC’s Assistant Director in Benue State, Mr. Emmanuel Anga, noted that the application of herbicides with disregard to standards and safety was becoming worrisome and lauded the training, emphasising that it would correct the current abuse of herbicides use in the country.

Underlining the need for herbicides use in agriculture, Anga said improving cassava yield could be easily achieved with the application of herbicides. He, However added that the application of herbicides must be consistent with the manufacturers’ recommendation in order not to undermine the health of applicators and destroy the environment.

During the training, which had both practical and theoretical sessions, participants were taught safety and correct use of herbicides. There was also a practical session on calibration using knapsack sprayers. A breakdown of trained participants across states showed that Abia had 105 participants, Benue-101, Ogun-122, and Oyo with 331.

The Assistant Director of NAFDAC in Ogun, Pharm L. J. Halim described the training as a step in the right direction. She commended IITA for organising the training, stressing that it would raise farmers’ consciousness on safe use of herbicides.

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