WA8 Global Perspectives: Pesticide Risk Assessment in Developing Countries
A105 & A106
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Wednesday
() The pesticide risk indicator model Enviromental Impact Quotient (EIQ) used in vegetable production in Vietnam.
Eklo, O.M.1, Dung, N.T.2, 1 Norwegian Crop Research Institute, Aas, Norway2 Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi, Vietnam
ABSTRACT- In four provinces of Vietnam the pesticide risk indicator model Environmental impact quotient (EIQ) has been introduced. The objective of the project was (1) to guide farmers using EIQ index to help choosing a less harmful pesticide to human and environment in vegetable production (2) to help farmers using EIQ index for assessing the effect of pesticides on human health and environment and (3) to gain experience from practical use of risk indicator models as a tool for farmers. Trainers from Plant Protection Sub-Departments (PPSD) at each province were responsible for the introduction of the EIQ model in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) with 30 farmers participating in each FFS. In the selected provinces, field plots in two crops from 15 IPM-farmers and 15 Non-IPM farmers (Farmer plot-FP) were followed during the growing season, September to December 2002. During the FFS, trainers and farmers discussed about objects affected by pesticide use and introduction of formula and method to calculate EIQ. Trainers guided farmers to practice the EIQ calculative table, to calculate and use field EIQ, to assess the effect of pesticides used on human and environment, and to guide and practice methods of collecting data. The main results from the exercise showed that the yield of IPM field was higher than FP. The EIQ at IPM field was lower than FP and thereby both economizing of expenses and less affecting the environment. After farmers training with IPM and EIQ, farmers gained new knowledge; changing their mind when using pesticides and decreasing the environmental load and risks in vegetable production.
Key words: Risk, Pesticides, Indicator, EIQ