AFAM Mbanefo, the commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Exports Awka, said spraying of harmful chemicals poses danger to peoples’ health.

He made the observation during a Federal Government Youth Empowerment Initiative, held at the ADP Conference Hall, Awka.

Declaring the programme open, Mbanefo told the participants not to keep chemicals carelessly to avoid damaging lives of members of their household.

He praised FG for sponsoring the programme with provision of knapsack sprayers’ kits and protective materials to beneficiaries.

Leo Imoka, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, advised the youths to form co-operative societies, so they could easily attract empowerment programmes.

Jude Nwankwo, the programme manager, also advised the youths to make proper use of the materials given to them.

Ifeyinwa Uzoka, co-ordinator/director extension services, DES, in a remark pointed out that youths were enlightened on types of knapsacks sprayers, the cost content, precautions to take while using it for insect, grass and pest control.

Uzoka suggested that the approved chemicals be used as well as take precautionary measures into consideration in the use.

She urged the youths to always label their bottles and that they should not dispose the chemical bottles anyhow.

According to the director extension services, the beneficiaries should make good use of their covering kits while spraying the chemicals to avoid contracting diseases like cancer or blindness.

Godwin Akujieze, a resource person, taught the youths how to handle the knapsack sprayer and even provided someone, who dressed up in the covering kits for demonstration to the youths.

Some of the participants were presented knapsack sprayers, boots and hand gloves by Mbanefo, Agric commissioner.

– Jan. 23 2018 @ 17:42 GMT