By Abubaker Mukose
THE majority of dealers in agro-chemicals in the country are illiterate, an agriculture ministry official has said.

senior agricultural inspector Franco Tumuramye said the dealers were unable to ensure safety in pesticide handling.

“People handling these chemicals require a lot of training and sensitisation. However, out of all the local distributors countrywide, only 5% have had the required training.


Therefore, there is a high risk of the population getting exposed to slow poisoning.

“Our research also shows that some local dealers adulterate chemicals, which increases risks to both crops and human beings,” Tumuramye said on Friday at a trainers’ workshop on agro-chemical safety at Hotel Triangle Annex in Jinja.

He said local governments must be vigilant in establishing the expertise before licensing dealers.

“Adulteration and sale of expired agro-chemicals is common in Uganda. The ministry is ready to facilitate training of those in this business,” he said.
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