Honey production: Expert cautions farmers on harmful effects of chemicals
NAN-H-7
Chemicals
Damaturu, Feb.. 16, 2018 (NAN) Dr. Yusuf Madaki, Director Animal Health, Yobe Livestock Development Programme, has urged farmers to refrain from excessive use of agricultural chemicals in farming and producing honey.
Madaki made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Friday, saying they could use plants which are healthy and environment-friendly as alternatives to the chemicals.
According to him, indiscriminate use of chemicals by farmers can adversely affect the soil, ecosystem, animals and human beings.
“There are plants which can serve as alternatives to chemicals; these plants are healthy and environment friendly,” he said.
The director noted the use of chemicals in the production of honey, saying its excessive use had affected the quantity and quality of honey being produced in Nigeria at present.
“Bees are facing extinction, just as other animals, birds and insects are also threatened by unprofessional use of chemicals by farmers.
“The wanton application of chemicals pollutes the air, grass and flowers, thereby poisoning the animals, birds, insects and the plants,” he said.
He said honey production was a lucrative business for individuals and government in the area of revenue generation, provided the proper method was applied.(NAN)
MM/OSA/ASH
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Edited by Shittu Obassa