GEF funds project to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture

The Global Environment Fund (GEF) has approved US$4 million in funds for the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM) project in Laos, to reduce the use of pesticides that are dangerous to humans.

Mr Bounchanh Kombounyasith and Ms Martine Therer shake hands after signing an MOU on a project to reduce the use of pesticides.

The project will be conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Laos in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
A Memorandum of Understanding on the project was signed in Vientiane on Wednesday by the Director General of the ministry’s Agriculture Department, Mr Bounchanh Kombounyasith, and UNDP Representative Ms Martine Therer.
Mr Kykeo Singnavong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry was also present along with government officials from Vientiane and the provinces concerned, delegations from farmers’ groups, international organisations, and the Agricultural Promotion and Nayoby banks.
The project will run from 2024-2028 in Vientiane and the provinces of Xieng Khuang, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay and Bokeo.
The initiative is a part of the UN Environment Programme run by the UNDP in Laos with the aim of reducing the use of pesticides that are harmful to humans, by focusing on integrated pest management methods that are ecologically sustainable.
The use of organic pesticide products will be encouraged as an alternative that does not use harmful chemicals, as well as increasing opportunities to generate income from environmental protection through the proper disposal of pesticide containers and waste.
The main goal is to strengthen policy making, legislation, management and investment in the field of pesticide use and to increase sustainable income generation by modelling and disseminating safe pest control methods as an alternative for farmers.
The project will raise awareness and build capacity in pesticide waste management as well as capacity to monitor and evaluate pesticide management work.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Linkham said the committee in charge of the project from the Department of Agriculture should work closely with UNDP to fulfill the objectives of the project.
Committees from the Department of Agriculture and the five target provinces should actively carry out the project as a priority in the management of agricultural chemicals and pesticides, and comply with of laws and regulations on the management of such work in Laos, he added.
The Department of Agriculture will work with the five target provinces and target districts to explain the regulations and provide information to businesses, members of the public and farmers about the risks of pesticides, and how to use them in the right way.
The cultivation of crops will be encouraged in ways that comply with Organic Agriculture and Good Agriculture Practice standards and crops that require little or no chemicals will be identified, Mr Linkham said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 17, 2024)