The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has disclosed that it would proscribe the used of Paraquat and Atrazine products by farmers.Dr. Husman Bukar, Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate, NAFDAC made this known during the launch of Lifeline herbicide at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
He said the decision was made as safer and environmentally friendly products were developed and registered in Nigeria, noting that paraquat has been banned in some countries due to its negative effects.
Furthermore, he explained that the Agency in efforts to end the abuse of pesticides, especially in cases of suicide is committed to banning Sniper (Dichlorvos or 2,2-dichlorovinly dimethyl phosphate) in Nigerian homes.
Bukar explained that agrochemical companies have been directed to withdraw products that contain Glyphosate-based formulations with tallow-amine between now and December 2019 from the markets.
Also speaking, Mr Shanni Srivastava, Manager of the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL), the company that produced Lifeline herbicide alongside IITA and Springfield Agro Company, Lagos.
He said UPL is focused on producing eco-friendly products in Nigeria, adding that Lifeline herbicide is aimed at offering safer alternatives to paraquat products.
