Some recommendations when using pesticides to prevent and control harmful organisms to crops

To use pesticides correctly to ensure safety and effectiveness in integrated pest control (IPM) and in the process of promoting the integrated plant health management (IPHM) program, the Department recommends some notes when using pesticides to prevent and control harmful organisms to plants such as:

Use pesticides only when necessary, when pests reach the economic damage threshold, when the growth and development stage of crops needs to be protected from pest attack and after applying mechanical, physical, biological measures... have not been effective.

Photo: Checking the situation of pests on rice plants in Muong Bu commune

When using pesticides , it is necessary to use pesticides in the List of pesticides permitted for use in Vietnam in Appendix I, issued together with Circular No. 25/ 2024 /TT-BNNPTNT dated December 16, 2024 and Circular No. 03/2025/TT-BNNMT dated May 16, 2025 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on amending and supplementing Circular No. 25/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated December 16, 2024 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on promulgating the List of pesticides permitted for use in Vietnam and the List of pesticides banned from use in Vietnam . Apply the 4 correct principles (right drug, right time, right concentration/dosage, right way) ; comply with the quarantine time on the pesticide label; Ensure effective prevention, safety for users, food safety, minimize environmental pollution and protect the ecosystem (avoid affecting natural enemies and biodiversity). Encourage priority use of drugs Herbal pesticides, biological drugs, ...; rotate between sprays or crops to avoid causing pesticide resistance in pests, thereby improving long-term control effectiveness.

Absolutely do not abuse chemical herbicides on a large scale, which can easily cause soil degradation and affect biodiversity. It is necessary to replace them with manual or mechanical weeding or use safe biological products. There must be warning signs in the newly sprayed areas.

When using the drug, it is necessary to wear full protective gear (including specialized protective clothing or at least long-sleeved shirts, long pants (breathable cotton material), wide-brimmed hats, masks with activated carbon, eye protection, waterproof rubber gloves and closed-toe protective shoes and wash after each use to avoid chemical accumulation).

Illustration: Labor protection equipment when spraying pesticides

Unused pesticides must be collected and disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste regulations (according to Decree 08/2022/ND-CP dated January 10, 2022 of the Government). Do not dump directly into the environment; can be neutralized with lime powder or absorbent (such as sand, etc.) before burying in a permitted place.

Need to buy plant protection drugs at a facility with legal status, with a Certificate of eligibility to trade in plant protection drugs issued by a competent authority, subject to state management and inspection. Do not buy drugs from unknown sources to avoid counterfeit or poor quality goods. Drugs must have clear labels (in Vietnamese, with full name of active ingredient, concentration, manufacturer, expiry date, instructions for use), with at least 6 months remaining; the drug is not on the List of plant protection drugs banned from use in Vietnam, Appendix II issued with Circular No. 25/2024/TT-BNNPTNT dated December 16, 2024 and amended and supplemented in Circular 03/2025/TT-BNNMT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

When transporting must Check pesticide packaging for leaks ; tie the package carefully; do not mix with food, children's toys, or flammable or explosive substances.

When storing Containers or warehouses for storing pesticides and other chemicals must be sealed, not leaking to the outside, and have danger warning symbols. If it is a warehouse, the warehouse door must be locked and only authorized people can enter the warehouse. Do not place in areas for processing, preserving products, living and do not pollute water sources. Emergency handling tools and materials (first aid kit, acid/base neutralizer, dry sand, cleaning cloths) must be available in case of spillage of fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals. Regularly check the condition of the medicine storage area.

A complete log of pesticide use must be kept , including pesticide name, active ingredient, dosage, spraying time, spraying area, target pest, operator, quarantine period and post-spraying effectiveness. The log must be kept for at least 2 years in a place that is easy to monitor, serving inspection, plant quarantine and product traceability (especially for export).

In the context of Son La province's agriculture facing major challenges from climate change and the increase of harmful organisms, the smart and responsible use of pesticides not only helps protect crop yields but also contributes to building a sustainable agriculture that is safe for human health and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) It is not an option but an inevitable direction of agriculture in the future. We need to act today: strictly comply with legal regulations, prioritize biological solutions to minimize pollution risks, and protect biodiversity.

Source: https://sonnmt.sonla.gov.vn/trong-trot-va-bao-ve-thuc-vat/mot-so-khuyen-cao-khi-su-dung-thuoc-bao-ve-thuc-vat-bvtv-trong-phong-chong-sinh-vat-gay-hai-cho--936812