Pesticide approval scheme under review

By Faith Mhandu
The Tobacco Research Board is reviewing and updating the pesticide approval scheme to take into consideration international trends.
TRB general manager Dr Anxious Masuka said the exercise would assist farmers to select the best chemicals, improve agricultural practices and enhance production of a crop that is of internationally accepted standards.
“The successor to the Pesticide Approval Scheme, which should be operational from the 2011/2012 tobacco season onwards, is the Pesticide Approval Scheme Service, which will assist growers to select safer chemicals.
“The label colour category will also be indicated as issued by Government,” he said.
The Tobacco Marketing and Levy Act mandates TRB to approve and certify all pesticides for use in Zimbabwe. While retaining many of the features of the old scheme, Dr Masuka said PASS should ensure agro-chemicals are used at the minimum effective dosage rate. It should also ensure they are used at appropriate times to maximise their effect.
“Agro-chemicals should be used with minimum residue in compliance with international requirements for good agricultural practices,” Dr Masuka said.
According to TRB, the European Union’s Agro-Chemicals Regulations and the Coresta Guidance Residue Levels will form the basis for determining compliance with international market requirements.