GUADALCANAL plains farmers have been warned against using chemicals in their food gardens.
Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), an organised established to promote organic farming, issued the warning when conducting basic farm training for flood victims of Papangu village, Ngalimbiu, on the Guadalcanal plains this week.
KGA manager Clement Adosaia said like any chemicals, fertilizer, which farmers used to boost growth of their crops, have side effects.
“There’s a side effect to the use of chemicals in farming. Use of fertilizers is only good during the time it was used but its effect on the soil last for a long time,” Mr Adosaia said.
“Use of pesticides and insecticides is really harmful to human consumption too,” he added.
He encouraged organic farming.
KGA encourages organic farming as it was environmentally friendly and has no effects on the soil or human consumption. It is natural, and cost you nothing; only your commitment to your work.”
KGA operates throughout the country and has more than 4,000 members.
Currently it is engaged in providing training to the flash flood victims of Guadalcanal Province as part of their rehabilitation assistance.
It also provided seedlings and root crops planting materials to affected communities in the Guadalcanal plains.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
