Vietnam addresses pesticide overuse and hazardous waste management

Vietnam is facing challenges regarding the management and use of pesticides in agriculture. In Tay Ninh province, authorities are working to establish a roadmap to handle pesticide packaging, which is classified as hazardous waste. While collection points and tanks have been installed to prevent direct disposal in fields and canals, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has noted several inefficiencies. Issues include poorly located collection points, lack of proper signage or covers, and the mixing of pesticide containers with general household waste and other materials.

Nationwide, chemical pesticides still dominate agricultural practices, accounting for over 80% of total usage in some areas. In the Mekong Delta, the average use of pesticides is over 5 kg/ha, compared to a national average of 3.4 kg/ha. Experts note that while pesticides help ensure food security and export quality, overuse increases production costs, harms user health, and causes environmental pollution. The high reliance on chemical options is attributed to intensive rice farming, high pest pressure, and limited access to biological alternatives.