Government cracks down on harmful pesticide imports
Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture is cracking down on harmful pesticide imports, citing health risks like cancer. Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh urged public support to eliminate unsafe products and questioned the use of pesticides banned in their countries of origin. He also defended yellow maize imports, citing livestock feed shortages amid tight maize supply, warning further imports may be necessary.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has stated it is on cause to fight the importation of harmful pesticides in the country.
According to the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Agriculture, Paul Ronoh, some pesticides imported into the country are the leading causes of cancer when used in crop production.
“If there are pesticides that are not used in the country of origin why then should we allow the use here in Kenya,” Said Ronoh.
The PS also urged Kenyans to help in weeding out harmful pesticides in the market, “it is a rough journey but we request your support.”
At the same time, Ronoh also defended the government’s plan on the importation of yellow maize.
According to him, the move is necessitated by the need for more livestock feed in the country saying the imported yellow maize is for livestock.
“There is competition between human and livestock feed production hence we are importing,” he added.
Ronoh said the country needs 4 million bags of maize every month, and 48 million every year noting that despite the country having produced 67 million bags last year about 300,000 bags are currently available.
Adding that if the situation worsens the country will be forced to import.
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Source : The Standard Media
