The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists’ 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference commenced today at Gardiner Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
The three-day event, which runs until Friday, November 15, is being held under the theme “Agrochemicals Usage for Enhanced Horticultural Crops Production: Our Health, Wealth, and Environment.”
In his keynote address, Daniel Attivor, an agronomist and consultant at Anglo Gulf Fze – Dubai, highlighted the dual role of agrochemicals in agriculture. While noting that agrochemicals like Glyphosate (herbicide), Pyrethroids (insecticides), Triazoles (fungicides), and nitrogen-based fertilizers have contributed to increased yields and food security, he also cautioned against their risks to human health and the environment.
“Herbicides can increase yield by 20-30% through effective weed control,” Attivor noted, citing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“Insecticides, meanwhile, contribute a 15-25% yield increase by reducing pest damage, according to the EPA, while fungicides and fertilizers boost yield by 10-20% and 50-100%, respectively, due to disease control and nutrient supplementation.” These gains, he noted, underscore the importance of agrochemicals in addressing food security and combating malnutrition.
However, Attivor emphasized that the use of agrochemicals must be approached responsibly. “We can’t completely say GMO is not good,” he stated, underscoring its role in tackling hunger and malnutrition. “But we must use it responsibly and not say that we don’t have to go there at all.”
Addressing the health implications, he referenced data from the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that exposure to toxic chemicals can result in cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. According to the EPA, pesticide exposure has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS, with 10% of neurological disorders worldwide attributed to such exposure.
Furthermore, WHO estimates that pesticide exposure accounts for 5% of birth defects globally, with pregnant mothers exposed to pesticides facing increased risks of birth defects, miscarriage, and infertility (Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).
“Everyone is at risk,” Attivor emphasized, describing agrochemicals as a “necessary evil.” He further discussed the economic benefits agrochemicals bring, as well as hidden costs, such as environmental degradation and health impacts.
A 2019 FAO study projects that sustainable agriculture practices could yield up to $1.5 trillion annually, underscoring the economic potential of sustainable practices like precision agriculture and crop rotation.
In support of sustainable agriculture, Attivor advocated for integrated approaches, precision agriculture, and regulatory frameworks, referencing the European Union’s pesticide reduction strategy, which led to a 12% decrease in agrochemical usage since 2010.
Complementing Attivor’s address, Dr. Hilary Mireku Botey from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) stressed the critical role of agrochemicals in enhancing crop production. However, he urged appropriate usage to minimize risks. “Education and awareness for farmers, along with protective clothing, are essential,” he said. “That is one way we can protect our health.”
Looking forward, the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists aims to advance horticulture in Ghana by setting professional standards, encouraging research, and facilitating information exchange. Key objectives include publishing horticulture-related materials, promoting research, and establishing a platform for horticultural crop studies. The institute also emphasized building human resource capacity and establishing dedicated research institutes for horticultural crops to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
The conference continues through Friday, gathering horticulture professionals and experts to address the industry’s future and the responsible use of agrochemicals.
