Jamaicans urged to use pesticides cautiously

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (CMC):

The Pesticides Control Authority (PCA) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) are encouraging Jamaicans to exercise caution when using pesticides, especially near waterways that are accessed by nearby communities.

When large amounts of pesticides are used near waterways, accidents could lead to run-off, which could contaminate the water source.

Speaking at a recent think tank, PCA Registrar Tamara Morrison pointed out that if pesticides get into the waterway, “we may have some fish kill, and there can be a problem if persons further down [stream] do not know, because persons do collect water for use in houses”.

While both PCA and NEPA conduct training sessions for farmers, in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, they acknowledge that other persons use pesticides as well and urge them to be mindful in their use.