Kirinyaga farmers sensitized on safe use of Agrochemicals to enhance food quality and safety

The training program, undertaken through a collaboration between the National and County governments, targeted rice farmers from the expansive Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme, as well as horticulture, tea, and coffee farmers.

Governor Anne Waiguru stated that the county has been educating farmers on the proper use and reduction of agrochemicals, particularly in horticultural produce such as tomatoes and French beans.

“Statistics have shown that cancer cases in our county are on the rise, and while we are unsure of the cause, we are putting effort into reducing the use of chemicals on our produce to see if we can address this challenge,” said the Governor. She also pointed out that, alongside campaigns on the safe use of pesticides, her administration has been training farmers in organic farming, an initiative that is already showing positive results.

The safe use of agrochemicals involves practices that minimize risks to human health, the environment, and non-targeted organisms while ensuring effective pest and disease control.

Speaking during one of the training sessions in Mwea, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr. John Gachara, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that improper use of pesticides has been a major challenge, particularly among smallholder farmers, hence the need for ongoing sensitization.

“Many farmers misuse chemicals, leading to hazards that affect both them and consumers,” he said. He also highlighted that the county has trained agricultural extension officers and 112 newly recruited agripreneurs, who have been instrumental in equipping farmers with the right knowledge on agrochemicals.

Dr. Gachara noted that the proper use of agrochemicals would help mitigate health risks and improve the quality of agricultural produce in the county. Kirinyaga is predominantly an agricultural county, with about 80 percent of its population engaged in farming.

The initiative, which targeted all major farming cooperatives across the county, aligns with Governor Waiguru’s broader agricultural agenda. This agenda aims to empower farmers through knowledge, resources, and sustainable farming techniques that will enhance food safety standards while boosting productivity and market access.

Julian Wairimu, a representative from the Mwea Irrigation Water Users Association, emphasized the importance of the training in eradicating unsafe pesticide use and safeguarding the health of both producers and consumers. She thanked Governor Waiguru for spearheading the initiative.

Peter Chege, another leader from the association, acknowledged the significance of the program. “We are collaborating with the government to train our farmers on the safe use of pesticides, and this training will ensure that the food we produce for both local and international markets meets international safety standards,” he said.

Julian Wairimu, a youthful farmer from Mwea, expressed her excitement for being part of the campaign to promote the safe use of agrochemicals, noting its importance in safeguarding the health of consumers.

Some of the topics covered in the training included the correct selection of agrochemical products, the use of personal protective equipment, and proper chemical handling. Farmers were also educated on the appropriate waiting periods before harvesting crops after pesticide application.

These practices are aimed at reducing the potential negative impacts of agrochemicals while maximizing their effectiveness in crop management.