Sindh, Punjab provinces': BASF joins hands with government depts for locust control

BASF has collaborated with provincial governments to improve safety measures for locust control in the Punjab and Sindh and also distributed 300 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) safety kits for pesticide applicators and navigators working in the locust affected areas.
The Sindh and the Punjab provinces are currently battling a massive swarm of desert locusts which is threatening the country's main crops, including cotton, mango, banana and vegetables. Pakistan is an agriculture reliant economy with the sector being one of the major employers, providing jobs for tens of thousands across the country.
BASF has collaborated with the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and the Department of Agriculture to increase safety awareness of locust control in Sindh and Punjab provinces.
It has recently conducted a series of workshops in the locust-hit areas to share knowledge and experience with local agricultural communities, helping them understand the importance of safety in pest control.
A team from BASF has conducted safety awareness sessions in the district offices of major affected cities such as Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Benazeerabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Saalehpat, Naran Desert, Sadiqabad and Bahawalpur.
BASF also distributed 300 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) safety kits for pesticide applicators and navigators working in the locust-effected areas. The PPE kits consist of a pair of nitrile gloves, three particulate filter masks and a set of protective eyewear as recommended in the material safety data sheets of the pesticides being used by DPP. These items are accompanied by an easy-to-understand picture-based instruction leaflet.
Managing director Faisal Akhtar, BASF Pakistan has said that safety is at the heart of our operations and as a leading producer of agricultural solutions.
BASF is committed to sustainable agricultural development by providing expertise and technical support to the farming community. The safety awareness campaign provides farmers and sprayers with knowledge and tools to implement safe agricultural practices, he added.
Muhammad Tariq Khan, Technical Director DPP, said the Plant Protection Department is combating this voracious pest in Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab provinces. The operation involves the use of highly toxic pesticides that can adversely affect the health of the field staff.
"We are thankful to have BASF helping us in creating awareness and providing personal protective kits to our teams. The support will help create safe farming practices in the country," he added.