A Gombe-based agronomist, Dr. Joseph Kaltungo, has cautioned farmers against using harmful pesticides in grain preservation, urging them to adopt safer alternatives.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Kaltungo highlighted the Federal Government’s ban on hazardous chemicals for grain storage, emphasizing the public health risks posed by such substances.
He warned that chemicals like Actellic dust, Actellic liquid, rat poison, and Phostoxin (commonly known as “bomb”) can lead to severe health complications when applied to grains.
Kaltungo recommended alternative storage methods, such as using polythene bags, drums, or mixing grains with ground pepper to deter insects. He also stressed the importance of properly drying grains before storage to prevent aflatoxin contamination, which can cause cancer.
Additionally, he advised vegetable farmers to avoid spraying pesticides close to harvest time to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
The expert called for improved fumigation practices in silos and warehouses and urged the government to build more storage facilities to help reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.
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