Zimbabwe: 14 Tobacco Treatment Chemicals Banned
Source from: Sunday Mail (zw) 12/31/2012
The Tobacco Research Board (TRB) has banned the use of at least 14 tobacco treatment chemicals after studies showed that they are ineffective on pests and incompatible with most soil types in the country.
However, 42 other chemicals have been approved for this farming season while 25 are still being tested.
In an interview, TRB acting general manager Dr Dahlia Garwe said the chemicals are 1,3-dichloropropene nematicide, aldicarb nematicide, ethylene dibromide nematicide, acephate insecticide, fenvalerate insecticide, methamidophos insecticide and monocrotophos insecticide.
Thiodicarb insecticide, benomyl fungicide, alachlor herbicide; dimethenamid herbicide, metolachlor herbicide, trifluralin herbicide and butralin growth regulant are also on the list of banned chemicals.
Dr Garwe said a Statutory Instrument would soon be issued to give legal effect to the ban.
She highlighted that it was the mandate of the TRB to ensure chemicals are suitable for use in Zimbabwe depending on soil types, climate and crop varieties.
”We have phased out 14 chemicals and are waiting for a (statutory) instrument that will stop the use of the chemicals in Zimbabwe completely,” she said.
”TRB's mandate is to research on chemicals that are suitable for our tobacco varieties, climate and soils while the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) regulates.”
She advised farmers to contact her board to get a clear understanding of the new chemical range.
She added that the TRB was also working to improve pest and disease control methods.
”We are improving some of the varieties in the country, especially in terms of pests and diseases.
”The varieties on the market have an average output of 4 500kg per hectare compared to the national output of 1 700kg per hectare.”
Dr Garwe said many farmers were failing to achieve maximum output because they deviate from regulations.
”Poor farming methods and non-adherence to regulations by farmers are the major setbacks in reaching maximum output as a nation.
”Tobacco stalks must be cleared by May 15 every year, but, even up to now, you still find stalks in the fields, a habit that has resulted in pests and diseases recurring.” Enditem
