Spray solutions: How to administer pesticides

Growers asked to ensure that the spray machine releases droplets of equal or uniform volume.

MULTAN: Cotton growers have been asked to adopt specific safety guidelines while using pesticides.

The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a press release, stating that sprayers should wear shirts with full sleeves, gloves and masks to cover their faces. “The spray should be done in the morning or evening when temperatures are low and it must be avoided during rain or strong winds.”

In case of tractor machines, growers have been asked to ensure that the spray machine releases droplets of equal or uniform volume. The spray should be done in the direction of the wind and sprayers should avoid eating or smoking during the process. Agriculture experts said that the spray nozzles should be kept 1.5 to 2 feet above the plants. The agriculture department has issued handouts to farmers in various districts in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2011.