The Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers' Association (ZTGA) has embarked on a training program to equip farmers with modern methods of tobacco cultivation and gradually phase out the use of methyl bromide pesticide.

ZTGA President Julius Ngorima was quoted by Sunday News as saying that the program is aimed at equipping new farmers with advanced technical expertise such as using float trays and other modern farming methods which would not require the use of methyl bromide.

"This follows indications by the World Health Organization that the traditional methods that promote the use of methyl bromide commonly used in Zimbabwe will be phased out in 2009," he said.

A donor organization has offered to buy float trays and plastics that will benefit tobacco growers who cannot afford to access them.

"The price of float trays is beyond the reach of most new farmers and this assistance by the donor organization will go a long way in improving the technical expertise of tobacco growers," he said.

He said training will be available for farmers.

Assessments conducted by atmospheric scientists under the authority of the World Meteorological Organization indicate that methyl bromide contributes significantly to the destruction of the earth's stratospheric ozone layer.

The chemical is used primarily in the growing of crops such as strawberries, tomatoes and tobacco seedlings.

The pesticide has been found to be toxic and exposure to this chemical is suspected to affect not only the target pests but non- targeted organisms as well.

"Because methyl bromide dissipates so rapidly to the atmosphere, it is most dangerous at the actual fumigation site itself," said Ngorima.

Human exposure to high concentrations of methyl bromide can result in central nervous system and respiratory system failure, as well as specific and severe deleterious actions on the lungs, eyes, and skin. Common initial symptoms include weakness, despondency, headache, visual disturbances, nausea, and vomiting.

Source: Xinhua