Two New Pesticides Hit the Market

Two new pesticides have been introduced to the market, giving farmers increased options in safeguarding their crops, while maximising yields.

The products – Revus and Engeo – were officially launched by AgroGrace Jamaica in collaboration with Syngenta during a ceremony on Tuesday (January 15) at the AgroGrace premises on Spanish Town Road in Kingston.

The pesticides are ideally suited for vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants and other crops and will assist in disease and insect control resulting in healthier products.

Engeo is the most efficient solution to control foliar pest in vegetables while Revus is a superior fungicide for its rapid adherence, water-resistance and its action outside and inside of leaves help to prevent diseases in crops.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, said the introduction of these “tried and tested pesticides” is appropriate given the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

“With the myriad of invasive species and pests that the sector has had to contend with over time it is good that cutting-edge technology is now in place,” he said.

The Minister said that most, if not all, crops have had to contend with pests in some way or the other.

“Vegetables, condiments, fruits, tubers, sugar cane, coffee, all over, we have had all kind of problems with pests,” he noted.

Mr. Clarke said it is critical that all pesticides adhere to international food safety standards to ensure that consumers are protected whenever they purchase produce.

“Currently, farmers worldwide have to contend with food safety regulations, including the Food Safety and Modernisation Act, being implemented by the United States of America. We, at the Ministry, are sparing no efforts in making sure that we are fully onboard,” he stated.

The Agriculture Minister implored farmers to adhere to the standards and the procedures as stipulated by the manufacturing entities when they are using the products.

“Sometimes, farmers go out and they use the chemicals and they say it is not strong enough, they want to add some more. Then there are others who want to stretch it because it is too expensive, we cannot (do that). Whatever is stipulated for its use must be strictly adhered to or else you will not have the desired results,” he stated.

Agro Grace is a division of Hardware and Lumber Limited, and the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Coy, said the introduction of the product is indicative of a commitment to finding solutions to improve the productivity of the agricultural industry.

“As a country, we must take steps to improve the output from the agricultural sector so that we can better feed ourselves. Agriculture can no longer be viewed as subsistence farming or a pastime but must be given more focus…to ensure sustainability and reliability of output,” she stated.

AgroGrace, owned by GraceKennedy Limited, is Jamaica’s leading distributor and retailer of agricultural inputs. The company’s major products include pesticides, fertilisers, vegetable seeds, animal feeds, home garden items and farm equipment.

Syngenta is a world-leading agri-business committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.