Akyawkrom (Ash.) March 14 GNA---Mr. Bama Octave Yao, Co-ordinator of CropLife Africa/Middle East, a multinational organisation in West Central Africa, has observed that sustainable development and higher productivity in the agricultural sector depended on the efficient and effective use of agro-chemicals.

He has therefore, urged farmers and other agro-chemical users to ensure correct usage and application of chemicals to avoid hazards. Mr Yao gave the advice at the opening of a five-day training of trainers workshop on the correct use and application of insecticides at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu-Juaben District on Monday.

The workshop, organised jointly by the CropLife Africa/Middle East, International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) and the Agro-Chemical Association of Ghana (AAG) was aimed at equipping the participants with skills and knowledge in the handling of agro-chemicals.

It is a follow-up to the training workshop organised by the organisers in 2004 in Accra.

Mr Yao hoped that the workshop would enhance the capacity of the participants so that they could train more members of the Ghana Agro Input Dealers Association on the correct use of chemicals. The Co-ordinator stressed the need for farmers and other agro-chemical users to wear protective clothing at all times whenever using chemicals.