11 February
AS the agriculture industry is one of the most important sectors of Myanmar’s economy, high yield of crops and stability of output are of vital importance. Only high output and good quality can help the country’s agricultural produce penetrate international markets, and bring prosperity to farmers.
Every year, farmers have to face problems of pests and diseases. Therefore, they must pay serious attention to anti-pest practices to ensure high yield of crops, vegetables, fruits, and perennial crops.
Insects, such as stem borers and rice weevils, and bacterial diseases, such as neck blast, brown spot, and bacterial blight, significantly reduce the yield of crops; they may even completely destroy entire fields. There are various other kinds of insects or fungus that can also cause damage to crops. Farmers faced a problem in the beginning of this year with a new species of swarming caterpillar attacking maize fields. Notices have been issued on the pest attack, and with the help of some agricultural companies, pesticides and technical assistance are being provided to farmers for preventive and pest control measures.
Pest control measures are inevitable when crops are attacked by insects or disease. They involve both conventional methods as well as chemicals. Whichever method is applied, it is important to note that it must be done systematically and scientifically. Moreover, only the right use of pesticides is effective in pest control.
Chemicals must be used with care. Prescriptions must be followed strictly for both storing as well as using chemicals. They must be kept out of reach of children and pets. After they are used, chemicals must be disposed systematically by burying or setting on fire, instead of being discarded in creeks or streams. When handling chemicals, safety suits and gloves must be worn, as necessary.
The right use of pesticides is important because, if they are wrongly used, it may affect crop yields and in some instances, lead to destruction of fields. Suggestions must be sought from the Agriculture Department and pesticide companies on how to use pesticides. Companies, on their part, must provide farmers with clear directions, which they can understand easily. They also need to take accountability for quality and loss caused by unqualified pesticides. Government officials must counter check whether pesticides are in conformity with the prescribed standard or not, and punitive action must be taken against those who sell pesticides illegally.
We firmly believe that such comprehensive action will bring prosperity to farmers and contribute much to agricultural development.
GNLM
