The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has exposed stakeholders in the agricultural produce, to new pest control measures that would aid an efficient pest management system and prevent chronic exposure leading to diseases.

          Speaking at a day workshop to sensitise farmers, marketers and producers of cash crops on the use of Neem Extract in Agro-pest control in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said it was imperative to reposition the standard of agricultural produce meant for export and local consumption.

          Dr. Odedina, represented by the Director of Produce, Mr. Adedeji Somade expressed delight at the immense benefits inherent in adopting Neem Extract in Agro-pest control, saying growing attention had been given to the development of alternate environmental-friendly pesticides.

          The Commissioner pointed out that “over the years, extensive use of commercially available synthetic pesticides against phytophagous insects has led to bio-accumulation in the environment, causing increased resistance and reduction in soil bio-diversity”.

          Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, represented by the Head, Federal Produce Inspection Services, Ondo State, Mr. Peter Adaramola, said the theme of the workshop “'Use of Neem Extract in Pest Control of Agricultural Produce for Export” was germane as it would help to curtail the use of harmful chemicals pesticides on cash crop produce and enhance the use of natural extracts derived from Neem tree.

          Also speaking, the facilitator, Mr. Edafe Ekpere, encouraged the farmers to embrace the use of the Neem Extract for Pest management to enhance crop productivity. He noted that the chemical pesticides were harmful to human health and animals, adding that it causes diseases such as cancer, and many more.

          He enumerated the advantages of the organic measures as being safer for the user, having short residual activities on the soil, reducing the toxicity of groundwater, being environmental-friendly, preservation of beneficial insects, increasing productivity and maximising profit.