Unregulated use of agro chemicals threatens ecosystem, honey production, expert says

Yusuf Madaki, Director, Animal Health, Yobe Livestock Development Programme, said,  in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Thursday in Damaturu, unregulated use of herbicides, pesticides, and other agro chemicals could harm the ecosystem and honey production in Nigeria.

He bemoaned the growing trend of unregulated application of herbicides and insecticides on crops in farms, which, according to him had adversely affected animals, birds, and insects.

In his words, “when you apply the chemicals, the air and flower nectar get polluted affecting animals, birds, and insects, while the flowers are destroyed.”

Madaki noted that farmers often engaged in the uncontrolled use of chemicals, thereby wreaking havoc on the ecosystem.

“As a result, the quantity and quality of honey production have grossly declined, increasing the risks of people consuming adulterated products.”

“There was a huge economic potential in bee-keeping and honey production, as this can be exploited to create employment opportunities and boost the country’s economy,” he said.

He advocated for the use of natural products such as neem tree seeds which, could serve as herbicides and fertilisers for crops in farms. “Such natural products are environmentally friendly and harmless to humans and animals, while they are also affordable.”