and Integrated Pest Management - part - usaid

MANUAL ON THE USE OF PESTICIDES UNDER
BANK-FINANCED PROJECTS*
C. P. Rees
Head, Environmental Unit, Asian Development Bank
P.O. Box 789, Manila, Philippines
(Present address: The World Bank, Environment Unit, Asia Region
1818 H Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20.133, U.S.A.)
The Asian Development Bank's developing member countries (DMCs) have
enjoyed substantial benefits from the use of pesticides in terms of increased
production of food and industrial crops. Because of this, the scope of pesticide
usage will continue to expand for some time to come. However, DMCs have
expressed concern over the potential adverse effects of pesticides on man and the
environment - often for the same reasons that led developed countries to question
the use of pesticides.
In view of these factors, as well as the concerns expressed within the Bank,
in early 1986 staff consultants were engaged to review the overall situation in
selected DMCs with respect to pesticide use and regulation, and to make
recommendations as to how the Bank should proceed to ensure environmentally
sound practices in its agriculture projects. The following DMCs were, selected
and visited - Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. In all of these countries, agriculture is the
backbone of the economy and plant protection has played a major role in
developing the production of food and industrial crops. The review was
undertaken with full consideration of the work of relevant international and
regional organizations with regard to pesticide use practices, particularly existing
guidelines and codes of practice.
In the light of the consultants' findings, the Bank undertook the production
of a technical manual on the use of pesticides in Bank-financed projects. The
manual is designed to guide Bank staff in the selection, procurement, and safe
and cost-effective usage of pc.cticides. It was produced consonant with the
varying requirements of the DMCs and international practice and the need for
effective and environmentally sound practices of pesticide use.
1BACKGROUND
Pests are serious problems in many of the major crops grown in the
Asia/Pacific region, causing annual yield losses estimated at 30-60%. Although
The manual has now been published as "Handbook on the Use of Pesticides in
the Asia-Pacific Region", and may be obtained from Dr. Bindu Lohani, Head,
Environmental Unit, Asian Development Bank.