Pantho Rahaman
20 August 2025:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has successfully concluded its Mini Pilot initiative on the safe collection and disposal of hazardous empty pesticide containers in Saturia, Manikganj. The closing workshop was held at Nahar Garden, marking the end of an eight-month pilot that began in November 2024 under the GEF-funded Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project.
The initiative aimed to reduce the environmental and health risks posed by the improper disposal of pesticide packaging. With the rise in pesticide use due to high-yielding crops and commercial farming, managing hazardous waste has become a critical issue. Through this program, 1.36 tons of pesticide container waste was collected, transported, and safely incinerated in partnership with Lafarge Cement Industry.
FAO’s Senior Technical Advisor Martijn Van De Groep and Dr. Robiah Noor Ahmed, Deputy Director, DAE, attended the event. Chairing the program was UAO Mst. Tania Tabasum of DAE, Saturia.
More than 1,300 farmers, 100 pesticide dealers, and 30 SAAOs were trained on proper pesticide waste handling. Over 30,000 IEC materials and 5,000 protective items were distributed, along with awareness campaigns and training videos.
This initiative offers a model for national replication and supports Bangladesh’s goal of sustainable, safe agriculture, aligning with FAO’s vision of “Four Betters” — Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life.
The FAO and DAE now aim to expand this effort nationwide through public-private partnerships and policy support.
Source: FAO Media Team and Local source
