Farmers called upon to improve hygienic practices

washing bananasFarmers in Dominica have been urged to improve and increase their level of hygiene in the preparation of their produce out for sale.

Speaking at the start of a workshop to launch a study to explore the prevalence of leptospirosis among rodents, dogs, and farm animals in Dominica Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Harold Guiste, said rodents find refuge in farm buildings and in rooms where farmers store their produce.

“We have to improve and increase our level of hygiene in terms of when products come from the farm, you must wash it,” Guiste said. “I do not know if the Ministry of Health will recommend a chlorine solution or something that can probably get rid of the organism, but then it’s very important for us.”

He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is happy to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in trying to find ways and means to deal with vectors that spread this disease.

“And also to be able to educate farmers and let them understand the extent to which that their very occupation attract these vectors and can cause problem for them and for other persons,” Guiste noted.

Meanwhile; Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Reginald Thomas said it is important to put the management structures in place to ensure that leptospirosis does not continue to proliferate within the animals population and affect the human population.

“The veterinary services recognising this threat, to the spread of that disease is collaborating and we are glad to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in that respect…,” Dr. Thomas stated.

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4 Comments

  1. March 17, 2016

    As a matter of fact we need to improve ,we are too backward in Dominica ,we need stainless still accessories ,suck as sinks, to do this jobs..plastic and the sticky substance which comes from the banana is more difficult to keep perfectly clean..it is not only the farmers who should be concerned,the lady in the photo should have a plastic apron which goes passes over her head ,then tied behind her back, rubber boots or wellies are the most appropriate to do this job as per or farming .we need to step up in Dominica now ,we have to fix the place for the better in order to promote quality service…

  2. AAGabriel
    March 17, 2016

    I second that, but not only farmers…the fishermen too! I mean who on earth is buying a piece of fish cut with a dirty cutlass??

    • Me
      March 17, 2016

      And how they are selling that meat in the market! My appetite gone for a week when I see that. I’m surprised we do not have cases of food poisoning with practices like that. Maybe we got a genetic immunity?

  3. Tjebe Fort
    March 17, 2016

    Eh, eh. And you all want me to eat chicken from that abattoir?
    Thanks for the waning Doc.

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