Proceedings of the Asia regional workshop on the

Problems relating to pesticides that need attention
Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> important issues that need immediate attention are:
● Adulteration and smuggling <strong>of</strong> pesticides
● Unapproved use <strong>of</strong> pesticide or misuse that lead to excessive pesticide residue
● Quality control <strong>of</strong> pesticide
● Monitoring <strong>of</strong> pesticides poisoning
Strength and weakness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present pesticide management system
Strength
Weakness
● The strong commitment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government in supporting <strong>the</strong> regulatory authority
● Availability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> FAO Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct on <strong>the</strong> distribution and use <strong>of</strong> pesticides as
guidelines
● Increasing stringent regulatory requirements
● Existence <strong>of</strong> legal and institutional framework to control and manage pesticides
● Political and social challenges
● Lack <strong>of</strong> resources e.g. expertise, financial and personnel
Major bottlenecks to ensure sound pesticide management
● Environmental (contaminants) and consumer concerns (food safety)
● Pressure from <strong>the</strong> pesticide Industry for <strong>the</strong> alleged over-regulation <strong>of</strong> pesticides
Priority areas for streng<strong>the</strong>ning pesticides management
Major stakeholders include <strong>the</strong> regulatory authority, industry (pesticide sellers), research
institution and user have important roles to play in accelerating <strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>of</strong> pesticides
management:
Role <strong>of</strong> regulatory authority
Legislative control <strong>of</strong> pesticides will continue to play an important role on <strong>the</strong> future
management <strong>of</strong> risks <strong>of</strong> pesticides. O<strong>the</strong>r non-legislative measures, which serve to complement <strong>the</strong>
legislative means, are also important such as developing monitoring system to monitor residues in
crops, soil and water; and air.
Role <strong>of</strong> industry
● Introduce less toxic active ingredient to <strong>the</strong> market
● Develop safer product such as less hazardous formulation to reduce exposure to workers
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