More than 2,500 farmers are taking part in the Day for Effective and Responsible Use of Crop Protection Products (Stewardship Day 2013) in six Mekong Delta localities on October 25.

This year’s event is organised by CropLife Vietnam, a Sector Committee of European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), in collaboration with the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It aims to raise awareness of farmers in An Giang, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Long An and Tien Giang on the safe and responsible use of crop protection products for their better health and a more sustainable agricultural development for Vietnam.

Under the programme, a seminar to be held across the localities will address five Golden Rules in using crop protection products. They are Exercise caution at all times, Read and understand the product label, Practice good personal hygiene, Maintain sprayers in good working condition, Use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.

In addition, there will be hand-on training sessions for farmers with practical examples and lively illustrations.

Pham Van Loi, head of the organising group, said that crop protection product management is the responsibility of all people, starting from research, production, distribution and labeling to using and handling of used bottles.

As Vietnam is one of the major farm produce exporters, farmers should obey basic principles in using agricultural materials to have high-quality products that meet the increasingly strict requirements of the market.-VNA