The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has successfully completed its Mini Pilot programme on the safe collection, storage, and disposal of empty pesticide containers in Saturia, Manikganj.
The initiative, implemented under FAO’s Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project, began in November 2024 to address the mounting environmental and health risks caused by unsafe disposal of pesticide packaging waste.
Over the course of eight months, the pilot achieved the collection of 1.36 tonnes of hazardous packaging waste, with active participation from farmers and pesticide dealers. The programme encouraged voluntary collection, introduced designated storage points, and ensured safe incineration of the waste at an approved facility.
The closing workshop, held at Nahar Garden in Saturia, was attended by Martijn Van De Groep, Senior Technical & Policy Adviser, FAO Bangladesh, Dr. Robiah Noor Ahmed, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Manikganj, and chaired by Tania Tabasum, UAO, DAE, Saturia.
Speakers highlighted the critical need for a sustainable pesticide waste management system to protect the environment, groundwater, wildlife, and public health.
Since its launch, the initiative has trained over 1,300 farmers, 100 pesticide dealers, and 30 Sub Assistant Agriculture Officers on safe handling and disposal practices. More than 30,000 educational materials and 5,000 protective kits were distributed, alongside awareness sessions and audiovisual campaigns.
