Water, some equipment used in farming and crop processing, chemicals and even electricity are basic necessities that enhance productivity in the farm but could turn around to pose risk of accident and, may be, death to farmers on the field.
An Agricultural Consultant, Ameen Muktar, gave the warning on Friday, April 8, 2015 in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Muktar urged farmers to adopt precautionary measures and safety culture to guard against accident or even death on their farms.
“Many farmers are not trained or equipped enough to manage farm safety despite years of staying in the business. To reduce exposure to hazards and emergencies, it is hoped that farmers will learn something new,” Muktar said.
He said that various research institutes are now finding ways of making farming safer, saying that there was need to step up campaign on the harmful effects associated with farming.
“Apart from series of research, there is also the need to increase awareness on the hazards from pesticides, herbicides, farm implements and grain storage,” he said.
Muktar noted that deficient nature of soil in some parts of the country had made it mandatory for the application of chemicals such as nitrogen needed for fertility.
This, he said, was in spite of the resultant effect of chemicals on the soil, the environment and the farmers.
He also urged extension officers to educate the farmers on when and how to apply such chemicals, especially fertiliser, during the rainy season to guard against infections.
Muktar advocated the use of organic fertiliser, adding that it poses no threat to crops and animals.
“Herbicides destroy soil micro-organisms; pesticides have direct side effects on humans. People living in the rural areas are the most affected in this regard. If fertiliser residuals flow into a stream people could unknowingly drink from it and such poses great risk to their lives,” he said.
Source : Independent