Hands-on activity to ensure the proper use of the RTK for pesticide residues (Photo by JASarmiento)
Last September 27, the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) trained four staff members of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) Region III’s Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory on how to use the Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for Pesticide Residues. The training, held at the NCPC’s Pesticide Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory consisted of hands-on activities and lectures on RTK and food safety and standards.
RTK is a kit for rapid pesticide residue testing for selected vegetables and fruits. It specifically detects organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, which are known to be commonly used by farmers.
The training was conducted in line with the plan to utilize RTK in Central Luzon. The management of the DA-RFO Region III laboratory based in San Fernando City, Pampanga would like to employ what DA RFO Region II has been doing for the past several years. DA-RFO Region II was known for implementing the use of RTK in several public markets, farm cooperatives, and associations to promote food safety and proper pesticide management.
Ms. Romalene L. Miras, NCPC extension coordinator, delivered the welcome remarks during the opening program of the training. Ms. Arra Gaylon, Mr. Jasper A. Sarmiento, and Mr. John Julius P. Manuben lectured on RTK, Tips and Techniques in Using RTK, and Food Safety and Standards, respectively. There were also technology demonstration and hands-on activities to ensure proper use of the RTK. Mr. Sarmiento, the project leader of the NCPC’s RTK for Pesticide Residues concluded the program with closing remarks. (First published in the Aggie Green & Gold newsletter, September 2023 issue)
