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Farmers and miners operating in Mashonaland Central have been urged to use chemicals responsibly bearing in mind the adverse effects they may cause on the ecosystem if used recklessly.
An ongoing outreach programme spearheaded by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care is encouraging farmers and miners to acquaint themselves with full information on the use and handling of different hazardous chemicals.
EMA publicist , Maxwell Mupotsa said the exercise was organised cognisant of the damages and environmental problems associated with chemicals used during farming and mining to the ecosystem and health status of individuals.
“We are appealing to all farmers and miners in the province to follow precautions on chemical containers before using them so that we save lives and the ecosystem at large.”
“You will find out that there are some people who are ignorant of the effects of different chemicals (herbicides, pesticides or cyanide) they use in farming or mining to the extent that they ignore putting on protective wear.
“We are encouraging them to put on protective wear which protects their skin from getting in contact with chemicals as clearly labeled on the chemical containers.” he said.
Chemicals can be hazardous to human health after entering our bodies through inhaling, ingestion, exposure into the eyes and skin contact. Associated health problems can be avoided by wearing protective equipment when handling chemicals.
He said some of the chemicals used by farmers and miners end up affecting the ecosystem in a negative manner.
Recently, a local safari operator launched a complaint against a nearby farm owner who sprayed his crop with an unknown chemical that ended up killing Yorks (mafudzamombe) thereby increasing ticks in the area that are now affecting the game animals.
Yorks are birds known for eliminating ticks.
EMA also urged members of the public to keep chemicals under lock and key to avoid suicidal cases which are at peak in the province. Nhau/Indaba
