FOR food security, various varieties of crops are cultivated to increase yields and produce quality ones. From the start of cultivation, however, farmers inevitably use chemical inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The chemicals applied to control pests and fungi that damage trees and crops are, in fact, substances harmful to consumers. In severe cases, they can even be fatal.

Various pesticides are being produced worldwide to control different pests that damage crops and trees. Thousands of pes­ticide brands are competing in global markets, and it is learned that over 3.5 million tonnes of agricultural pesticides are used annually around the world. Myanmar also imports and uses more than 30,000 tonnes of pesticides every year for agricultural activities. The private sector is taking re­sponsibility with the rights to legally trade and distribute agricultural pesticides, and the government enacted the Pesticide Law in 1990 and which was updated in 2016.

Although pesticides are produced to control pests, their toxicity can also pose dangers to humans and an­imals, including cattle and buffalo. According to a World Health Organization report, between 20,000 and 40,000 farmers worldwide die each year from exposure to pes­ticide poisoning. Farmers are the first to be directly exposed to pesticides during use. Consumers are also at risk, as they may ingest toxic residues from pesticides and fertilizers present in crops, vegetables, and fruits.

People who are exposed to pesticides and fertilizers for long periods can develop liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, or liver cancer, and other vital organs of the human body may also be damaged. Although most of the pesticides produced worldwide are used in developed countries and only about 20 per cent are consumed in developing countries, the majority of pesticide poisoning cases occur in developing nations. Hence, it is necessary to raise farmer awareness to systematically use pesticides.

Farmers must learn how to handle and apply them system­atically. Using pesticides in the correct proportions ensures effective pest control. Overuse or excessive application of pesticides and fertilizers can leave chemical residues in crops, posing risks to consumers and even leading to rejection in foreign markets. Crops should be harvested only after 14 days following pesticide application. If not, harmful chemical residues can endanger consumers’ health.

As Myanmar is primarily an agricultural country, it is necessary to systematically handle crops at every stage – cul­tivation, harvesting, and storage – to ensure they are free from chemical residues. For food safety, only residue-free products can guarantee consumer protection from health risks and prevent rejection in international markets.