Two hundred pesticide and toxic chemical storage cabinets have been distributed to farmers in Black Bush Polder, Region Six, as part of efforts to improve chemical safety and reduce risks linked to agricultural poisoning and misuse.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said on Sunday the programme was designed to promote safer handling and storage of hazardous substances and strengthen protections for farming communities.
He said the specially designed cabinets feature a dual-lock system requiring two keys, intended to prevent unauthorised access to toxic chemicals.
According to Mustapha, about $35 million was invested in the initiative, which he said is expected to benefit farmers across the area.
“You are fortunate here to come. So the programme in Black Bush Polder alone, it costs us $35 million to build cabinets. So every farmer here gets one,” he told recipients.
The minister urged farmers to use the storage units responsibly, noting the importance of secure handling of pesticides.
“It has two locks, right. So no one can open it alone. So it is preferable when you store your chemical in there, you keep a key and somebody else keeps a key,” he said.
Mustapha said the initiative also aims to reduce accidental poisoning and suicide risks by limiting immediate access to toxic substances during moments of distress.
“We are doing this thing to save your lives,” he added.
He said the programme had been “long in the making” and praised the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board for monitoring and testing agricultural chemicals entering the country.
The initiative is expected to benefit 759 farmers in Black Bush Polder by the end of September.
