Govt to tighten control over potentially harmful pesticide imports, use: Minister

The government will take strict measures to regulate pesticide imports, marketing and use to ensure safe and quality food for consumers, said Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Sunday.

He made the remarks while addressing a seminar organised by the “Bangladesh Society for Safe Food” at the auditorium of Independent University, Bangladesh, in the capital.

“Proper control of pesticides is essential to ensure safe food production. Many pesticides are being imported and marketed in Bangladesh that are not used in many countries around the world. We will review the existing policies and testing systems for pesticide imports and establish effective controls,” the minister said.

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He said that increasing food production alone was not enough, saying the government must also ensure that food is safe, nutritious and meets quality standards at every stage of production and marketing.

Highlighting health risks to farmers and consumers, Rashid said the uncontrolled use of pesticides was a matter of concern, as pesticide residues in food could pose risks to public health.

He said the government had already formed several committees to review policies on pesticide imports and use. Effective decisions would be taken after consultations with scientists, experts, importers and other stakeholders, he added.

The minister said many farmers failed to follow recommended doses of pesticides and chemical fertilisers because of inadequate technical knowledge and training. The government was working to raise awareness, provide training and expand safe farming practices, he said, adding that initiatives were also being taken to develop agricultural entrepreneurs and make farming a profitable profession.

He warned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers could damage soil health and the environment, stressing the need for balanced fertiliser application according to soil and crop requirements and adherence to good agricultural practices.

Manufacturers of pesticides and other agricultural inputs must also produce quality products and comply with applicable regulations and standards, he said.

On the poultry sector, the minister called for effective monitoring of the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in poultry feed and improved waste management. He stressed that quality control must be ensured throughout the food supply chain, from production to marketing.

Rashid said Bangladesh had considerable potential to expand agricultural exports in international markets. However, success would require reaching foreign consumers beyond the Bangladeshi diaspora.

The government was working to improve the quality and expand exports of promising agricultural products, including jackfruit and pineapple, he said.

Ensuring safe food was not solely the government's responsibility, the minister said, urging farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, traders, students and consumers to play responsible roles in building a safe food production and supply system.

The seminar was chaired by Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, convener of the seminar organising committee of the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food.

Independent University, Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor Prof M Tamim, Jamalpur Science and Technology University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Amir Hossain, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman Md Shafiqul Islam, Department of Fisheries Director General Md Khaled Konok and Department of Agricultural Extension's Plant Protection Wing Director Dr Mohammad Enayet-e-Rabbi also attended the event.