Egypt introduces pesticide applicator training program

CAIRO - 12 May 2019: The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing a program to train thousands of pesticide applicators within a plan to promote safe use and application of pesticides in farms and fields across the country.

Head of Pesticides Committee at the ministry Mohamed Abdel Meguid tells Egypt Today that 7,000 candidates were trained last year while the target this year is 10,000. The official stipulates that after the training of those is over, pesticide application by unlicensed individuals will be criminalized.

Abdel Meguid adds that the program creates job opportunities in a field that did not exist before in Egypt. The program is being introduced in governorates consecutively, and is aimed at increasing profitability and agricultural exports by rationalizing the use of pesticides.