The use of chemicals in agriculture is claimed to have a negative effect on health, the environment and climate change. Given that such chemical use is not yet avoidable, alternative measures that focus on responsible use, reduction and replacement are required if we are to live harmoniously with chemicals in agriculture.
Members of the public and private sectors who recently came together for the “4th (Final) Drafting Meeting of National Action Plan (NAP) for Implementation of Biocontrol in Thailand” talked about their roles and plans in promoting the use of biological products and making the world less contaminated.
Ms. Rungrudee Jongseubsak, Assistant Manager, Chemical Registration of BASF
“Changing behavior cannot be done in the days that immediately follow attendance of training workshops. But we still need it. If farmers are to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and apply biocontrol crop protection products, they need to see what they will get from this change. Farmers will not get a fast result in controlling pests when they use biocontrol crop protection products and they may not be happy about it. So the improved health they will enjoy as a result must be stressed. This message needs to be highlighted and raised over and over again in the training and workshops for farmers.
Although BASF is known as a chemical company, we want to promote an integrated pest management (IPM) method for appropriate and safe use of chemicals together with biological crop protection products. And we will hold training for farmers to promote the IPM approach in Thailand. Farmers need to be aware of their actions and safety in the use of chemicals in agriculture.”
Mr. Sarute Sudhi-aromna, Director of Pest Management Group, Department of Agriculture (DOA)
“One challenge in promoting the use of biocontrol crop protection products in Thailand is that we do not have the capacity to produce them in large enough quantities to meet the demands of farmers. When we implement pilot projects to encourage farmers to use these biocontrol products and they seem to like the idea, we cannot provide them with an ample supply for their regular use after the pilot projects end.
Currently, only the Department of Agriculture Bangkok has the capacity to produce the bio products and we have a project to expand the production at DOA nationwide. There is a DOA office in each province and, ideally, each office should be able to produce the biocontrol products and distribute them to farmers. However, as this involves both funds and personnel, we will see how far we can go. At DOA Bangkok, we also have limited resources. When we talk about knowledge and skill transfer, we also need to consider if we can manage to find enough people to provide training to all the offices nationwide, and whether the DOA offices in the provinces have human resources ready and the proper facilities and equipment invested.”
Mr. Vinai Pitiyont, Consultant, Central Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
“Producers of biocontrol products must have the responsibility to assure the quality of their products. Checks on quality and standard should be made by a third party to see if the products comply with the labels and meet the internationally recognized standard. This is voluntary and the cost will be at their own expense but it shows a sense of duty and responsibility both to themselves and their customers who are farmers. Also, the producers do not have to worry when the products are displayed on the market as they will be randomly selected for testing by the Department of Agriculture or some public and private agencies.”
Dr. Payorm Cobelli, Agricultural Research Officer, Senior Professional Level, Rice Department of Thailand
“The Brown Plant Hopper is a major insect pest in agriculture. Using chemicals to control the pest has not proved effective as it has created more pest resistance. In Thailand we do not have the biocontrol crop protection product for the Brown Plant Hopper officially registered as yet. And we need to develop a locally made one so that we can recommend it to farmers for their alternative use. Also, since it is locally produced, it will be effective in crop protection and better suit the local context. At Rice Department we have been conducting research into production technology for biological control of the Brown Plant Hopper in order to support and promote the use of biocontrol nationwide.”