Sunyani, Nov. 3, GNA - Mr. Samuel Yaw Kwarteng, Sunyani Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has advised farmers to prudently apply chemicals to preserve the vegetation and soil organism and nutrients.

He asked farmers to study the weather before spraying their farms with weedicide to avoid polluting water bodies close to their farms.

In an interview with GNA at Sunyani, Mr. Kwarteng said weedicide "becomes ineffective after an hour of spraying and if it rains immediately the chemicals could be washed into nearby water bodies".

He, however, said the use of weedicide for clearing weeds was the best method compared to weeding and burning because the chemical "suppresses weeds, protects soil organisms and improves soil fertility".

Mr. Kwarteng said burning of weeds results in the killing of soil organisms and causes soil erosion, adding that some farmers had testified that the use of weedicide was economical, time-saving and supported large-scale cultivation.

He stressed that farmers should avoid misapplication of weedicide since it has adverse effects on users, crops and the soil.

Mr. Kwarteng gave the assurance that Agriculture Extension Officers would monitor the activities of agro-chemical sellers to ensure that the right chemicals are sold to farmers.

He explained that continuous use of a particular chemical may affect the vegetation and soil nutrients.