LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Sept. 9 (PIA) - - The trained fertilizer and pesticide dispenser is expected to guide the buyer in acquiring appropriate and affordable farm inputs for agricultural produce which is likened to a physician issuing a prescription of medicine or supplement to a patient.
This is how Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Regional Coordinator Reynaldo Segismundo describes the role of Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) of fertilizer and pesticide handling towards their customers in educating them on the safe and proper handling and storage and rational use of farm inputs.
The ASD’s role is as important in guiding and assisting the farmer the prescribed farm input for vegetable or ornamental plants. ASD training is a pre-requisite in securing FPA license to operate as a dealer.
FPA mandates that all FPA licensee or applicants for fertilizer, pesticide dealership, retail, outlet license must have ASD under their employ who must be trained for the purpose of supervising, advising, and assisting buyers of fertilizers/ pesticides on the safe handling and storage and proper, safe and judicious use during the daily operations of the store or business.
For every farm supply business, FPA requires at least two trained ASDs like the proprietor and a staff so that if one is not around, there is an alternate to entertain buyers.
If the farmer or buyer is unsure on what to purchase, the ASD should be proactive and be able to guide and explain. If not properly guided, it would mean a great loss to the farmer with the capital all gone to waste because the buyer was not properly informed on the appropriate use of the product,” Segismundo said,
“A trained ASD is expected to ask the buyer’s concerns prior to releasing any item not only for the sake of selling,” he added. The buyer needs to be clarified of the item labels which include the active ingredients and descriptions, handling, dosage, and warranty.
Rowena Billig, FPA Provincial Officer for Benguet and Baguio, said FPA holds ASD trainings for fertilizer and pesticide handling at least twice a year.
In the training, ASDs are taught on the categories of fertilizers and pesticides, pesticide information and management, soil and fertilizer management, fertilizer handling and management, FPA rules and regulations, pesticide first aid management, exposure to pesticides, types of pesticide poisoning, signs and symptoms of poisoning among others. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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