SANA'A, May 19. 2024 (Saba) - Mahdi Al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, has convened with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, along with the committee tasked with determining permissible agricultural pesticides.
During the meeting, al-Mashat emphasized that the vehement and baseless campaign against agricultural pesticides lacks rationale, as experts refute such claims.
He identified the issue lying in the improper use of pesticides and the absence of proper guidance among citizens, stressing the Ministry of Agriculture's pivotal role in providing guidance on the correct usage of pesticides.
Al-Mashat highlighted external threats to Yemeni agriculture, spearheaded by American intelligence and various collaborating organizations.
He vehemently dismissed recent claims regarding pesticides causing cancer, branding them as unfounded fabrications.
Al-Mashat clarified that the pesticide "methyl bromide" is manufactured by an international company that has been employing it for decades, albeit deciding to discontinue it due to European regulations concerning ozone layer depletion, which is not an issue in Yemen.
He revealed his directive, over a year and a half ago, to ban this product, citing its use in Sa'ada Governorate and the lack of viable alternatives.
The President noted citizens' complaints about the high price and scarcity of this pesticide after its ban, causing substantial harm to farmers and agriculture.
He disclosed authorities' confirmation of no viable alternative to this pesticide, prompting its reconsideration under strict supervision.
Al-Mashat highlighted the disinformation campaign linking pesticides to cancer as a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to control agricultural diseases, which could devastate Yemen's agricultural sector.
He emphasized his administration's dedication to cancer research and care, including the establishment of the Cancer Control Fund and the introduction of advanced medical equipment.
The President outlined efforts to investigate cancer prevalence across various governorates, attributing the problem to extensive pesticide use and the fallout from the aggression, which utilized banned weapons exacerbating health risks.
Regarding pesticide regulation, Al-Mashat stressed the importance of the Ministry of Agriculture's role in guiding citizens on proper pesticide usage, dismissing external interference and urging adherence to radical solutions.
He warned against spy cells' attempts to sabotage Yemen's agricultural sector and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting citizens from harm, including establishing pesticide factories away from residential areas.
The President urged Ministry leadership to shoulder their responsibilities diligently, rebuffing external pressures and safeguarding Yemen's agricultural interests.
H.H
resource : Saba
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