The use of pesticides to control pests and diseases is widespread in banana plantations, especially in those producing for export and operating year-round. Banana crops are highly vulnerable to infestations, as they are predominantly grown in tropical regions, which provide ideal conditions for pests. Pesticides are applied to manage various banana pests, including Black Sigatoka, a disease that can reduce yields by 35% to 50% in affected plantations. However, the intensive use of agrochemicals in monoculture production continues to pose a significant contamination challenge.

Growing concerns about these risks are increasingly influencing market demands regarding pesticide use. For producers, this shift requires adjustments in production and trade systems, continuous updates to technical knowledge, and a balance between sustainability and the economic viability of banana farms.

Minimizing pesticide use and ensuring their proper management before, during, and after application is essential to reducing social and environmental risks.

Pesticide Risk Reduction

Banana production should follow these steps for pesticide risk reduction, as recommended by FAO:

• Reduce reliance on pesticides by adopting good agricultural practices.
• Select pesticides with the lowest risk.
• Ensure the proper and safe use of selected products.
• Implement effective waste management practices.

Step 1: Reduce Reliance on Pesticides

• Eliminate unnecessary pesticide use by applying an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.
• Increase the use of non-chemical pest management methods.

A pest management plan is designed to support this step, promoting a proactive approach to pest control and incorporating alternative measures to manage pest and disease development effectively.

The plan should encourage integrated pest management and establish a monitoring system for pests and diseases.

Step 2: Pesticide Selection

• If pesticide use is deemed necessary, carefully select the most appropriate product.
• Selection should consider several factors, including effectiveness, environmental and human health hazards, risks associated with the application method, personal protection requirements, and pre-harvest intervals.

Each farm must have a list of permitted products. This list should be based on:

• The list of approved products legally permitted in the country.
• The list of products permitted under certification programs of the plantation owner or key supply chain actors, as well as the requirements of the destination country for the final product.
• This list should include commercial names, active ingredients, unit size, hazard classification, manufacturer, and conditions for use.

Step 3: Proper Use of Pesticides

Several practices have been adopted to ensure the proper handling and application of pesticides:

1. Development of Procedures and Protocols

• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, goggles, coveralls, etc.
• Proper pesticide storage guidelines.
• Instructions for the safe application of pesticides.
• Procedures for handling treated plastic bags.
• Protocols for cleaning application equipment.
• Guidelines for the collection and disposal of empty pesticide containers.
• Calibration of pesticide application equipment.
• Health monitoring for plantation workers exposed to pesticides.
• Procedures for the safe loading and unloading of pesticides.
• Checklists for pesticide loading and unloading.
• Calibration of measuring equipment.
• First aid procedures and availability of first aid materials and equipment (emergency showers, eye wash stations, antidotes, etc.).

2. Training Programs

All workers handling or transporting pesticides must receive proper training on pesticide handling and application to ensure safety.

3. Storage Management

• Each product must be properly labeled in the appropriate language.
• A designated person must be responsible for managing storage.
• Storage areas must be secured, well-ventilated, adequately lit, and include a retaining wall if necessary. Emergency procedures must be clearly displayed.
• Stock must be managed using the first-in, first-out principle to prevent product aging.
• Storage areas must be equipped with necessary materials to handle leaks and other emergencies.

4. Re-Entry Periods

After pesticide application, clear guidelines must indicate when workers can safely re-enter the treated area.

5. Communication of Application Programs

Effective communication methods must be established to inform all workers about pesticide application schedules, including dates and times, especially in the case of aerial spraying.

Step 4: Waste Management

Proper waste management practices, including the cleaning of application equipment and the disposal of empty pesticide containers, pesticide-treated plastic bags, and other contaminated materials, help reduce the risk of environmental contamination and accidental poisoning of people or livestock.

Empty pesticide containers are classified as hazardous waste and must never be reused. The preferred method for managing these containers is through a collection scheme established by the plantation or supplier. In the absence of such a scheme, containers should be triple-rinsed, punctured to prevent reuse, and the rinsate should be sprayed onto the plantation.

Challenges

• Shift from synthetic agrochemical-based pest management to integrated pest management.
• Capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing on risk reduction are essential to changing long-standing practices.
• Additional investment from plantation owners may be required to prevent long-term damage and costs to health, the environment, and fruit quality.
• Strengthening farmers’ organizations and trade unions can enhance plantation workers' and farmers’ bargaining power in outgrower schemes.