Seminar tackles proper spraying of insecticides

THE Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) conducted a seminar on pest control in farming.

The organization, which originated in Belgium, is promoting their methods of effective farming through the proper application of insecticide.

Cris Michelena, managing director of Initiative for Farm Advocacy and Resource Managements Inc., said some farmers are not aware about the proper way of spraying insecticide, which will eventually cause damage to their crops.

He said high amount of pesticide does not guarantee total eradication of pests.

“We cannot get rid of them as quickly as possible but we can control their breeding,” he said.

IRAC suggested to have a spraying interval of 25 to 30 days. He said there are farmers who would spray crops twice a day which is unhealthy.

Michelena said improper way of using insecticides would cause plants to lose its nutrients.

He said farmers should divide their crops according to category and with fences. He said to effectively kill pests, farmers should spray insecticides by level.

Temperature and evironment are also some of the factors that have to be considered in the spread of pests in the farms. /Correspondent Princess Kathleene Gabunales