Farmers are "afraid" to use biological pesticides due to high cost

SGGPO 11/02/2023 14:36

On November 2, the Plant Protection Department (PPD) organized a Conference on Development of Production and Use of Biological Pesticides, chaired by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung.

According to Mr. Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Plant Protection Department, in the past 3 years, the average amount of pesticides used nationwide has been gradually decreasing over the years from 3.81 kg/ha in 2020 to 3.19 kg/ha in 2022. In particular, the average amount of biological pesticides used nationwide is still used at a stable level and tends to increase from 16.67% in 2020 to 18.49% in 2022.

Farmers who abuse chemical pesticides can affect human health and the environment. Meanwhile, biological pesticides ensure pest and disease control, sustainable, green and high-quality industry development. Therefore, the orientation of production and use of biological pesticides is very important.

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Biological pesticides are more expensive than chemical pesticides.

Currently, biological pesticides account for 19% and the volume of use is increasing over time. This is the premise for effective implementation of the development of production and use of biological pesticides in the coming time. However, farmers still do not use much biological pesticides because the price is 20% higher than that of chemical pesticides.

According to CropLife Asia, globally, in addition to more than 600 synthetic pesticides, there are currently about 300 biological pesticides and biological organisms. North America is currently the region with the highest rate of application of biological pesticides. During the period 2005 - 2025, the average annual growth rate of the biological pesticide market is 10% while the rate of chemical pesticides is decreasing by 3% per year.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, it is expected that by 2025, the number of biological pesticides will increase by 30%; the number of biological pesticides used will increase by 20%; the model and area of biological pesticide use will increase by 3-5% and the number of enterprises innovating biological pesticide production technology will increase by 15% compared to present.

To implement this plan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung suggested that the Plant Protection Department coordinate with institutes, departments, and experts to continue reviewing and proposing specific policies to encourage and support organizations and individuals to invest in developing the production and use of biological pesticides.

In addition, encourage research and development of biological drugs between enterprises and institutes, schools or science and technology enterprises to carry out projects in the form of public-private partnership.

In addition, prioritize funding for research and development projects and production of biological pesticides. Promote international cooperation on biological pesticides, take advantage of resources, experience and capacity of developed countries and international organizations such as FAO, WHO, etc.

At the same time, digital transformation, construction and digitization of the database on plant protection drugs from central to local levels, supporting local officials, businesses and trading establishments.

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