MOA releases Action Plans for zero growth in
application of pesticide and fertilizer
The Action Plan for Zero Growth in the Application of Pesticide and the Action Plan for Zero Growth in the Application of Fertilizer were reviewed and approved along with the Regulations on Crop Disease and Pest Control at the MOA executive meeting chaired by Minister Han Changfu on Jan. 28, 2015
Concerning fertilizer, MOA promotes soil-testing-based formula fertilization, mechanized fertilization and organic fertilizer application, and encourages the development of new-type of farmers and scale operation.
Concerning pesticide, MOA demands the phasing-out of highly-toxic pesticides to reduce pesticide-related risks, promotion of coordinated approach in disease and pest control featuring professional services and, adoption of green agricultural production models.
Both Action Plans called for better communication and coordination among competent authorities for preferential policies on finance, insurance and taxation, creating an enabling environment for the achievement of zero-growth in application of both fertilizers and pesticides.
The meeting emphasized the significance of law-enforcement, urging law-based and science-based comprehensive control.
It is also incorporated in the work priorities for crop production sector for 2015 to reduce the application of fertilizer, while the efficiency of fertilizer is expected to exceed 40% by 2020. The Ministry will promote the application of high-efficiency slow-release fertilizers, water soluble fertilizer, bio-fertilizer and soil conditioner. Pesticide use is to be effectively controlled to achieve zero-growth in total amount by 2020, while replacing the highly-toxic and high-residue pesticides with efficient, low-toxic and low-residue pesticides; replacing small pesticide application equipment with large / medium-sized and efficient ones and, expanding the pilot program to subsidize the application of low-toxic biological pesticides.