Product stewardship of Paraquat in Indonesia

In Indonesia, paraquat products play an important role in controlling weed in plantation estates, small-holders farming land and potentially in tidal swamp areas to be converted to tidal rice farming. Laboratory and field data which showed that paraquat did not cause a health hazard to users/farmers if used normally or as recommended, and the virtual absence of environmental impact, were important information conveyed to the customers in the product stewardship activities. Education and training have been implemented in 11 provinces, covering 4934 farmers group, 206 Zeneca field staffs and 100 local government staffs since January 1993. Using interactive method and field practicals, significant improvements in the knowledge and skill of safe and effective use of pesticide have been achieved. The success of this stewardship initiative lies upon good relationship with government authorities and informal local leaders, besides careful planning.