Sana'a: The General Authority for Science, Research, Technology and Innovation, under the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research, has launched a guide aimed at updating pesticide policies and regulations in Yemen. At the launch ceremony, Minister of Education and Scientific Research Hassan Al-Saadi emphasized the guide's significance in addressing the country's increasing pesticide issues and highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts among relevant ministries and institutions.
According to Yemen News Agency, Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shaiban warned about the health and environmental dangers posed by unsafe pesticide use, which includes risks such as cancer, weakened immunity, kidney and reproductive problems, and blindness. He also cautioned against the improper disposal and re-marketing of expired pesticides, advocating for a greater reliance on natural alternatives and organic farming practices.
Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Ammar Karim underscored the importance of transforming the guide's policies into binding regulations. He pointed out challenges such as the entry of banned or restricted pesticides into Yemen, abandoned and expired stocks, and the unsafe disposal of empty containers and spraying equipment. Karim mentioned the ministry's support for organic alternatives and the establishment of a permanent exhibition displaying over 130 locally produced organic products and 35 locally produced pesticides.
Dr. Munir Al-Qadhi, head of the General Authority for Science, Research, Technology and Innovation, stated that the guide is a significant national research achievement focusing on food security and agricultural safety. He explained that it consolidates policies, laws, regulations, registration, quality standards, inspection, licensing, and management of abandoned pesticide stocks into one comprehensive reference. The guide draws upon international technical references and experiences, adapting them to Yemen's specific conditions, infrastructure, and resources.
The authority mentioned that the guide provides principles, procedures, and requirements aimed at developing pesticide-related policies, legislation, and regulations throughout the pesticide life cycle, from manufacturing to the management of obsolete and abandoned pesticides.
