The Farmers Mail

23/08/2024

Understanding Aflatoxins: What They Are and How Farmers Can Prevent Poisoning

Introduction

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain strains of fungi, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions, often affecting crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. Aflatoxin contamination is a significant concern, especially in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. The toxins pose severe health risks to both humans and animals, making it crucial for farmers to implement preventive measures.

What Are Aflatoxins?

Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins that can contaminate food and feed. The four main types of aflatoxins are B1, B2, G1, and G2, with aflatoxin B1 being the most prevalent and toxic. Aflatoxins are known to be carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer in humans and animals. They also have immunosuppressive properties, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other diseases.

Health Risks Associated with Aflatoxins

Consuming products contaminated with aflatoxins can lead to both acute and chronic health issues:

1. Acute Aflatoxin Poisoning (Aflatoxicosis):This occurs when large quantities of aflatoxins are ingested over a short period. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, liver damage, and in severe cases, death. Acute aflatoxicosis is relatively rare but can be deadly, particularly in regions where food security is compromised.

2. Chronic Aflatoxin Exposure: Long-term exposure to low levels of aflatoxins can lead to more insidious health problems, including:
- Liver Cancer: Aflatoxin B1 is a potent carcinogen, and chronic exposure significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer, particularly in individuals with hepatitis B or C.
- Stunted Growth:In children, exposure to aflatoxins can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays, affecting their overall health and future potential.
- Immune System Suppression: Aflatoxins can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Preventing Aflatoxin Contamination: A Farmer’s Guide

Farmers play a crucial role in preventing aflatoxin contamination in crops. Here are several strategies they can implement:

1. Crop Selection and Rotation:
- Choose crop varieties that are resistant to fungal infections.
- Implement crop rotation to reduce the buildup of Aspergillus spores in the soil.

2. Proper Field Management:
- Plant crops at the right time to avoid exposure to high temperatures and drought conditions that favour aflatoxin production.
- Use irrigation to maintain optimal moisture levels, as drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to fungal invasion.

3. Harvesting Techniques:
- Harvest crops at the appropriate time to avoid over-maturity, which increases susceptibility to fungal contamination.
- Handle crops carefully during harvest to minimize damage, as wounds can provide entry points for fungi.

4. Drying and Storage:
- Dry crops thoroughly before storage, as moisture is a key factor in aflatoxin production. Aim for moisture levels below 10% for grains.
- Store crops in well-ventilated, dry conditions to prevent mould growth. Use airtight containers or bags to protect against moisture and pests.
- Regularly inspect stored products for signs of mould or spoilage, and remove any contaminated portions immediately.

5. Use of Biological Controls:
- Introduce non-toxic strains of Aspergillus (biocontrol agents) that compete with aflatoxin-producing strains, reducing their ability to colonize crops.
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices to control insect pests that can damage crops and facilitate fungal infection.

6. Post-Harvest Handling:
- Avoid mixing contaminated crops with healthy ones during processing and storage.
- Use aflatoxin-binding agents in animal feed to reduce the impact of contaminated feed on livestock.

Conclusion

Aflatoxins pose a significant threat to food safety and public health, particularly in regions with favourable conditions for fungal growth. Farmers are at the frontline of preventing aflatoxin contamination, and by implementing proper field management, harvesting techniques, and storage practices, they can significantly reduce the risk of aflatoxin exposure. Awareness and education on aflatoxin risks and prevention methods are essential for safeguarding both crop yields and the health of consumers.

23/08/2024

30/10/2023

LIVESTOCK FARMERS URGED TO BE ALERT AND REPORT ANY SIGNS OF DISEASES IN ANIMALS
By Lukundo Nankamba

Government is urging livestock farmers across the country to remain vigilant and quickly report any signs of diseases in animals.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Makozo Chikote says this follows the outbreak of African swine fever and Anthrax in some parts of the country, which have affected animals and have the potential to wipe out an industry and erode decades of hard work.

Mr. Chikote has told Phoenix News that there is need to be proactive in efforts to protect investments in the livestock sector and ensuring animals are checked regularly.

He says the outbreak of these diseases pose a threat to the sustainability of the local food supply chain and may also lead to dietary changes, which can affect the health of many Zambians.


Mr. Chikote says while government has put in place various interventions, prevention relies heavily on biosecurity measures and the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the industry including segregation, disinfection and cleaning.
PHOENIX NEWS

29/10/2023

⛔help contain the spread of Anthrax in Southern Province of Zambia.

29/10/2023

Guess where admin is putting his money 💰💰 on....

28/10/2023

Protect yourself and your animals from contracting Anthrax.

Anthrax is an Infectious Disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Although it is rare, it can affect both humans and animals. In animals, anthrax most commonly affects herbivores like cattle, sheep, and goats. Farmers who work with such animals need to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.

Anthrax can be spread through contact with contaminated animal products or environments. The primary routes of transmission for farmers include:

Direct contact: Farmers can contract anthrax by handling infected animals, coming into contact with their blood, tissues, or carcasses. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or through the eyes, mouth, or nose.

Inhalation: Farmers can inhale spores of the B. anthracis bacterium when handling contaminated animal products, such as wool, hides, or bones.

Symptoms of anthrax in humans can vary depending on the route of infection, but commonly include:

Cutaneous anthrax: Characterized by itchy skin lesions that develop into black sores.

Inhalation anthrax: Initially presents as flu-like symptoms, but progresses rapidly to severe respiratory distress.

Gastrointestinal anthrax: Causes nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Prevention is crucial for farmers to reduce the risk of contracting anthrax. Here are some key preventive measures:

Vaccination: Animals can be vaccinated against anthrax, and farmers should ensure their livestock is immunized regularly.

Proper handling and disposal: Use protective clothing like gloves, masks, and goggles when handling potentially infected animals or their products. Dispose of carcasses properly, following local regulations.

Hygiene practices: Ensure proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals or their products.

Surveillance and reporting: Keep an eye out for unexplained illnesses or deaths in animals and report them to local veterinary authorities promptly.

Education and awareness: Stay informed about anthrax and its prevention strategies through training programs and resources provided by relevant agricultural and veterinary authorities.

Prompt detection and response can help minimize the risks associated with anthrax.

©️ The Farmers Mail

24/10/2023

24/10/2023

@59💚💚💚

06/09/2023

28/05/2023

WAS IT MANDATORY FOR GOVERNMENT TO BUY THE SOYABEANS FROM FARMERS?

By kissinger Hansingo

Government of zambia is not obliged to buy farm produce because we have a free market economy policy.
The economic transformation into a free-market system began toward the end of 1991, in stark contrast to the statist African socialist regime of Kaunda. To tackle a serious economic crisis, the government agreed to introduce substantial economic reforms to secure much-needed loans from the World Bank and IMF. This saw the closure of companies like Rhonilo, to***co board of zambia to mention but a few.these Government companies responsible in buying cotton and to***co respectively. We also had dairy production board which bought milk from farmers. However, Government needed have food reserves for its citizens in case of calamity. Food reserve agence "FRA" was established under the Food Reserve Act of April 1995 the FRA aims at becoming an organisation that efficiently manages sustainable National Strategic Food Reserves, ensuring National Food Security and Income through the provision of complementary and high quality marketing and storage services.
This meant Government can only buy farm produce for its reserves and they are free to come up with the price which is in conformity with the supply and demand at a given time.
Then this meant that farmers and private businesses have to come in and do the buying and selling of the farm produce at a price that can be dicteted by the supply and demand.
Government was also live to the fact that farmers especially small scale farmers are susceptible to getting role deals hence marketing training were intensified under the ministry of agriculture through its extension officers. Agrigation and bulking is one of the major topics taught to farmers. What are these two topics I have just mentioned and how significant are they to our zambian situation.
Aggregators are agricultural businesses or cooperatives of growers that consolidate and distribute agricultural products. They typically support regional growers of diverse sizes and experience, and sell products to local or regional markets. On the other side bulk agricultural commodity . means any agricultural commodity that can be trans- ported in bulk and can be temporarily stored in bulk quantities without undergoing processing or packaging
This can help farmers come together and have a powerful voice in price bargaining and it also attracts the would be buyers because they will find the commodities at one place. When farmers agrigate and bulk they can sell there produce direct to the manufacturer or processors.
Government through the ministry of agriculture and other cooperating partners is encouraging processing. Cooperatives can do the processing.
Apart from providing much needed market of farm produce to the small scale farmers, Processing also helps to reduce wastage and ensure that the food produced is of good quality. There are many benefits of food processing for farmers. It helps them to earn better by adding value to their products and making them more marketable. It also helps reduce wastage and ensure that the food produced is of good quality not to mention the creation of employment.
In Zambian the problem came in when governments started using the buying and selling of farm produce and inputs as a compagn tool. This made citizens in this case farmers relax in doing the needful of forming Cooperatives objectively.
Also the ministry of agriculture which has the mandate to research on agriculture and train farmers is not only not well funded but the ratio between extension officers at camp level has grown.
This means the much needed message on marketing of farm produce just reach the selected few.
Cooperatives department have just a skeleton staff in each district. Just two officers at district level abd no field staff.
I think as much as Government has to do more in making sure that farmers have access to low interest loans, even farmers themselves have to work up from the slamber and hold the bull by its horns. No time to cry.

In conclusion, some farmers are crying but others who have function Cooperatives are happy because they will make alot of money this season on soyabeans. However, Zambia National Farmers union "ZNFU" and District farmers associations "DCUs" should rise to the occasion and start looking for soyabeans market for its farmers. They should not go to FRA and cry because FRA has a different mandate as I have articulated above. Also cooperatives and other farmer groups should put there organisations in order and work for once.
Government should not just focus on FISP but on other equally important issues of making sure farmers are receiving quality training from the ministry of agriculture. The first thing is to provide adequate resources to the officers in the ministry. Also to make sure that government policy on agriculture is explained to farmers so that they make informed decisions. Always tell farmers the truth even if it hurts or it hurts.

This is how I see things. What's your commentor opinion?

22/05/2023

Good morning 🌞

03/11/2022

The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute -ZARI has developed the first ever fall army worm tolerant variety of maize seed.
The development will help the government to spend less on procuring chemicals to fight army worms.
ZARI Senior Agriculture Research Officer LUTANGU MAKWETI, who is based at Msekera Research Station in Chipata, says the new seed is medium maturing and is also good for places like Eastern Province.
Mr MAKWETI said this during a seed fare organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and GIZ held in Chipata yesterday.
And Chipata District Administrative Officer KAPEMBWA SIKAZWE urged farmers to plant certified seeds only.