Plant Protection Department at Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, inaugurated the 15th training course for pesticide dealers, which was organized by the department in cooperation with the Pesticides Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture. The course was held in the faculty’s conference hall at the university’s new headquarters, in the presence of Dr. Khaled Omran, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs. Dr. Khalaf Hammam, Dean of the faculty, Dr. Zeinhom Shekhun, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, Dr. Abdel-Alim El-Menshawy, Head of the Department, Dr. Mai Toghan, Course Coordinator Supervisor, and a selected group of staff members attended the event.
Dr. Hassan El-Nomany, President of the University, praised the prominent role of Faculty of Agriculture and the distinguished services it provides to develop the local community. He also praised its efforts to graduate specialized young people who are scientifically and practically experienced in various agricultural fields. He also praised its commitment to solving societal and environmental problems and contributing to achieving the goals of sustainable development and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Dr. Khaled Omran said that Faculty of Agriculture is one of the oldest and leading faculties in the field of guidance and services, and has effective contributions to supporting the agricultural sector, and providing services, training courses and consultations to farmers and those working in the agricultural fields, stressing the keenness of the faculty administration to organize training course activities for those who work in pesticide trade on an annual basis because of its impact and importance in defining the laws and legislation related to this field, and spreading awareness of methods of prevention and protection from health problems resulting from its use.
Dr. Khalaf Hammam explained that faculty of Agriculture’s role is not limited to the educational aspect only, but extends to include many services that highlight its important societal role, through what its research and scientific centers and production units provide in terms of consultations and training programs that serve the broad sector of workers in the field, noting that this course is being organized for the 15th consecutive year.
It aims to intensify efforts to increase awareness of the need to combat pests to achieve abundant production free of toxins and environmental pollutants, in addition to spreading the philosophy of improving food and agricultural production using the latest pest control techniques with organic and biological pesticides.
Dr. Zeinhom Shekhon added that faculty of Agriculture is a great house of expertise in many areas of life, pointing out that the course included several important training topics, including knowledge of modern skills and techniques in the field of plant protection.