At the 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists, Daniel Attivor, an agronomist and consultant for Anglo Gulf FZE – Dubai, emphasized the critical yet cautious role of agrochemicals in modern agriculture.
Speaking at the event held at the Gardiner Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, he described agrochemicals as a “necessary evil,” essential for enhancing crop production but requiring responsible use to mitigate health and environmental risks.
In his address, Mr Attivor outlined the significant benefits of agrochemicals like Glyphosate (herbicide), Pyrethroids (insecticides), Triazoles (fungicides), and nitrogen-based fertilizers. “Herbicides can increase yield by 20-30% through effective weed control,” he noted, referencing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Similarly, insecticides contribute a 15-25% yield increase by minimizing pest damage (Source: EPA), while fungicides and fertilizers boost yields by 10-20% and 50-100%, respectively (Source: CropLife, IFDC). These gains, he argued, are vital for food security and addressing malnutrition.
However, Attivor stressed that while genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can help address hunger, their use must be approached carefully. “We can’t completely say GMO is not good,” he remarked, advocating for a balanced approach. “But we must use it responsibly and not say that we don’t have to go there at all.”
Mr Attivor also highlighted the health hazards associated with improper agrochemical use, referencing World Health Organization (WHO) data that links toxic chemical exposure to cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. He pointed out that pesticide exposure contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS, with 10% of all neurological disorders worldwide attributed to such exposure (Source: EPA, WHO).
Furthermore, he noted that exposure to pesticides during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects, miscarriage, and infertility, with WHO estimating that 5% of birth defects worldwide stem from pesticide exposure (Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).
“Everyone is at risk,” Attivor emphasized, underscoring the importance of responsible agrochemical usage despite their necessity in agriculture.
The economic benefits of agrochemicals also come with hidden costs, he said, such as environmental degradation and health impacts. Attivor cited an FAO study estimating that sustainable agricultural practices could yield global economic benefits of up to $1.5 trillion annually.
He advocated for sustainable approaches, like precision agriculture and crop rotation, as well as regulatory frameworks that promote responsible chemical management. As an example, he mentioned the European Union’s pesticide reduction strategy, which led to a 12% decrease in agrochemical usage since 2010.
Dr. Hilary Mireku Botey from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) supported these points, urging proper agrochemical usage to protect both farmers and consumers. He emphasized the need for education and awareness among farmers and recommended the use of protective clothing. “That is one way we can protect our health,” Dr. Botey said.
The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists, as part of its mandate, aims to advance horticulture in Ghana by promoting professional standards, encouraging research, and fostering information exchange. Its objectives include publishing horticulture-related materials, supporting horticultural research, and establishing a platform for horticultural crop studies. The institute also emphasized building human resource capacity and developing dedicated research institutes to support sustainable practices in the industry.