The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) says chemical handling is not merely a routine operational duty, but a specialised technical discipline that carries profound responsibility.
PCB registrar James Kaphale made the remarks on Thursday at a training pertaining to safe and responsible pesticides handling, application and calibration at Eastern Produce in Mulanje District.
In his speech shared with Nation on Sunday by PCB’s communications office, Kaphale said taking a proactive stance in staff training, therefore, remains important, while commending Eastern Produce for collaborating with PCB to convene the training.
“By investing in technical skills and safety awareness of your frontline handlers, supervisors and estate managers, you have set a good standard for commercial agriculture in Malawi,” he said.
“You have demonstrated that corporate productivity goes hand in hand with worker welfare, safe and fair labour standards and sustainable environmental practices.”
Kaphale said the participants, on their part, need to translate into daily practice, the knowledge and skills imparted during the training as they remain the frontline defenders of health and safety on the estate.
He said PCB remains a steadfast partner in regulatory, compliance, technical guidance and capacity building, adding that workplaces need to be safe for all workers available, including those who seek services.
Further, he added that the partnership between PCB and Eastern Produce underscores a commendable commitment not only to commercial excellence in agribusiness, but also to strict compliance with national statutory regulatory, institution safety standards and environment stewardship.
In separate remarks, Eastern Produce assistant general manager William Chimwala described the training as important, considering how the company handles pesticides and fertilisers in bulk.
He said: “One of the important factors when handling pesticides is safety. So, Eastern Produce focuses on the safety of its employees, and senior management, therefore, saw it as a great opportunity to engage PCB to help with training.”
