MUSCAT: Oman hosted a regional workshop to launch the Desert Locust Pesticide Management System in the Central Region and Horn of Africa. The workshop aligns with the Commission’s role to introduce new programmes and encourage the use of innovative technologies to enhance locust control strategies.
The primary goal is to mitigate the risks associated with pesticide use on human health and the environment. The event was held under the patronage of Dr Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Under-Secretary for Agriculture. About 11 member countries from the Arab world and the Horn of Africa are taking part in the workshop.
The regional workshop, which concludes on September 5, aims at promoting the use of the Desert Locust Pesticide Management System, enhancing early response to the locust outbreak and mitigating the risks associated with pesticide use on both human health and the environment.
Dr Mamoon Khamis Al Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Controlling Locust in the Central Region, in his speech said: “The Locust Pesticide Management System is a digital web-based application designed to collect, analyse, and report field data. It aims to establish a comprehensive database and equip countries with the necessary tools to manage pesticide stocks and the equipment used in locust surveys”.
Dr Al Alawi further explained that the system enables the national Locust Control Center or units to record essential information about each pesticide storage facility, conduct risk analysis, inventory usable and outdated products and equipment, and alert control centers about pesticide stock levels and expiration dates. It also tracks the movement of pesticides and equipment between stores and warehouses to prevent the accumulation of old stocks using QR codes. By implementing this system, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will be better equipped to manage pesticide distribution and prevent the accumulation of outdated inventory.
Dr Al Alawi continued: "The use of this new system will provide countries with a modern tool for effectively and efficiently managing their pesticide storage without relying on traditional office methods. It will also enable better monitoring of pesticide quality."
Eng Nasr bin Saif Al Shamsi, Director of the Plant Protection Department, emphasized the importance of proper pesticide management, highlighting the need to adhere to the standards and specifications set by FAO to ensure effective control measures.
Al Shamsi added the workshop was organised due to the significant threat posed by the desert locust and because chemical pesticides remain the primary means of controlling locust infestations. He emphasised the importance of ensuring these pesticides are managed safely and securely, with attention to security and safety, while also preserving their quality to ensure they are highly effective when needed for locust control.
The workshop will cover the latest version of the Desert Locust Pesticide Management System developed by FAO for countries affected by desert locusts. The sessions will focus on various aspects, including the equipment and materials required for storage facilities, the organisation of pesticide storage, and monitoring the condition of both the storage facilities and inventory, including pesticides, control machinery, and tools. The workshop will also discuss the national requirements for implementing these procedures in participating countries.
The workshop programme includes both theoretical and practical components. The theoretical part covers all topics related to the use of the new system, including its application procedures. The practical part involves field visits to pesticide and equipment storage facilities in and around Muscat, providing practical and field training in the use of the Desert Locust Pesticide and Equipment Management System.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
