To ensure safe and responsible use of crop protection products among farmers and raise awareness about counterfeit, adulterated and unapproved agricultural inputs, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and Syngenta Bangladesh Limited organized an awareness session in Jashore.
DAE Jashore region’s additional director, Alamgir Biswas, attended as chief guest. Representing Syngenta Bangladesh were Chris Argent, head of corporate affairs and sustainability for Asia, Middle East and Africa; Bruno Ananias, head of sustainability and responsible business for Asia, Middle East and Africa; and Mohammad Shahidul Islam, head of corporate affairs and sustainability at Syngenta Bangladesh Limited.
The event was attended by 10 assistant agriculture officers, 40 farmers, 10 channel partners and representatives of Syngenta Bangladesh.
Syngenta Bangladesh’s “Project Shield” is an initiative to strengthen agricultural stewardship, ensure responsible use of crop protection products, and build awareness against counterfeit, adulterated and unapproved farm inputs. The session covered the safe and correct use of crop protection products, identifying genuine products, and the risks of using counterfeit and adulterated agricultural inputs.
Emphasis was placed on delivering quality, genuine farm inputs to farmers and ensuring they receive proper guidance on using these products correctly.
Speakers said counterfeit and substandard farm inputs cause not only financial losses to farmers but can also negatively affect crop production, the environment and the entire agricultural value chain. They said this calls for a coordinated effort among farmers, government agencies, channel partners and agricultural sector organizations.
They said raising farmer awareness, promoting responsible use of farm inputs, effective monitoring and swift identification of counterfeit products can protect both farmers’ interests and the country’s agriculture sector.
Farmers, DAE officials and channel partners who took part in the session shared various field-level experiences and challenges. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger local-level coordination to prevent counterfeit products and promote the use of safe farm inputs.
Syngenta Bangladesh said it will continue such initiatives, working in coordination with government agencies, farmers, channel partners and other stakeholders to build a safer, more responsible and sustainable agricultural system in the country.