Farmers speaks against use of chemicals to fight pests

Forikrom (B/A), Jan 11, GNA - Nana Kwao Adams, Twaofohene of Forikrom, near Techiman, has advised farmers against the use of chemicals in fighting plant pests.

Nana Adams, the National Co-ordinator of the Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, said this at a farmers' forum at Forikrom near Techiman.

The forum, under the theme " USE OF ORGANIC FARMING METHODS,'' was attended by 80 farmers from the ABRONO Organic Farmers Society at Forikrom.

Nana Adams said wood ash was a useful natural insecticide that repels worms from burrowing in the soil around seedlings. He said Neem Tree, pepper and onion mixed with water was a useful repellent against many pests and could be used as organic manure. Nana Adams urged the farmers to sprinkle handfuls of ash around seedlings as soon as they sprout after transplanting and said poultry manure is effective in urban cultivation of food crops.