Ali Mohammed - an assumed name.
In the Hamdan area, located south of the Yemeni capital Sana'a, farmer Mohammed Al-Hazi was overseeing the irrigation of his Qat farm. During the irrigation process, one of the workers suddenly fell down and lost consciousness. The worker was immediately rushed to a nearby health center, where doctors determined that he had fallen into a coma due to inhaling a toxic gas.
It was later revealed that the worker had inhaled the toxic substance "methyl bromide." Some pesticide and fertilizer traders in the market of Sana'a confirmed that these substances are of Israeli origin. "Khuyut" verified this information and discovered the widespread of several banned pesticide varieties in the market, some of which were manufactured in Israel. This indicates that there is a responsibility that falls upon the parties involved in facilitating the entry and spread of these pesticides in markets and farms.
A similar tragic incident was occurred in Yareem, Ibb governorate, has left a deep impact on the community. The loss of the two young brothers due to the inhalation of the toxic insecticide "Tobaz" has brought immense pain to their father, their family, and the entire community. Abdulraqeeb Ghalab, a relative of the victims, expressed his grievances to "Khuyut" regarding the negligence and indifference displayed during the spraying of agricultural crops with such hazardous substances.
The lack of adherence to professional safety standards, including the failure to wear protective clothing and equipment, has resulted in this devastating outcome. The devastating effects suffered by the Ghalab family serve as a painful reminder of the importance of proper handling and use of pesticides.
In fact, this incident has indeed served as a wake-up call for the local community regarding the risks posed by insecticides, especially those originating from Israel and making their way into the Yemeni market. It is of utmost importance that we approach this issue with utmost seriousness and take the necessary actions to prevent the entry and circulation of banned or unsafe pesticides.
The safety and well-being of our people should always remain our top priority. To achieve this, we need to implement stringent measures to regulate the import and distribution of pesticides, ensuring that they adhere to international safety standards. Additionally, raising awareness among farmers and agricultural workers about the proper use and handling of pesticides is crucial to mitigate the potential risks to human health and the environment.
Involvement of Government Officials and Traders
Written documents obtained by "Khuyut" reveal the involvement of high-ranking officials in the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture and government officials in collusion with traders and smuggling networks. These entities are flooding the Yemeni market with toxic and dangerous insecticides.
Among these documents is a letter addressed from the General Directorate of Plant Protection in the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture to the Minister of Agriculture in the Sana'a government. The content of the letter reflects a concerning situation where the Ministry of Agriculture is being criticized for permitting the release of detained insecticides that were supposed to be restricted. These insecticides, which are toxic and pose a danger to public health, were subsequently sold in the market by importers and traders. The alarming aspect is that this was done under the observation of the regulatory authorities in Sana'a.
Additionally, another letter also addresses the Ministry's directives regarding the release of a shipment of the pesticide "Methyl Bromide," which was detained at the Al-Rahda border crossing in Taiz governorate. The letter admonishes the Minister for disregarding the dangers of the pesticide, as it is classified as a hazardous substance directly linked to environmental pollution.
It is a concerning reality that most farmers in Yemen have resorted to using smuggled and toxic insecticides as a means to accelerate fruit ripening. Unfortunately, many farmers overlook the significant consequences associated with this practice. Certain types of pesticides not only inflict severe harm on agricultural crops but also disrupt the fertile environment of our farmlands.
Certain types of pesticides not only pose a significant threat to agriculture but can also have a detrimental impact on the fertile environment of agricultural lands. The hasty use of these chemicals can lead to the destruction of beneficial insects, soil degradation, and contamination of water sources. Furthermore, the long-term effects on human health and the ecosystem cannot be ignored.
Moreover, in a third letter, the General Directorate of Plant Protection in the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture has issued a clear demand to the Plant Quarantine Administration. The demand states that the heads of agricultural teams stationed at Yemeni customs checkpoints should not release any incoming plant shipments unless they are accompanied by a certificate confirming the absence of residual pesticides.
It is deeply regrettable that some officials within the Ministry of Agriculture in Sana'a have chosen to disregard directives aimed at holding individuals accountable and preventing the trade of smuggled and dangerous pesticides. This disregard for such important directives undermines the efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our agricultural sector and the general public.
Hazardous pesticides are wreaking havoc on the health of Yemenis
The use of hazardous pesticides significantly contributes to the suffering of Yemenis, who have been enduring the consequences of war in their country for the past nine years. Hospitals, both within Yemen and abroad, are overwhelmed with patients suffering from various types of cancer and other diseases caused by the food they consume and the odors they inhale, most of which are contaminated with internationally banned toxic insecticides. The indiscriminate use of these dangerous pesticides poses a grave threat to the health and well-being of the Yemeni people. The ongoing war has already taken a toll on their lives, and the presence of these toxic substances further exacerbates their suffering. It is deeply distressing to witness the devastating impact that these pesticides are having on the health of Yemenis.
In his interview with "Khuyut", Dr. Hamdi Al-Yafei, a Yemeni doctor, refers to the increasing number of cancer patients in Yemen during the period of war for various reasons. One of the most prominent reasons he highlights is the consumption of the plant "Qat" and the fruits and vegetables that are sprayed with toxic pesticides.
Dr. Al-Yafei emphasizes the significant role that qat consumption plays in the health risks faced by Yemenis. Qat is a popular stimulant plant widely chewed in Yemen, but its cultivation often involves the use of harmful pesticides. The chemicals from these pesticides can contaminate the leaves of the qat plant, and when consumed, they can have adverse effects on human health, potentially leading to the development of cancer and other diseases.
In addition to cancer, according to Dr. Al-Yafei, there is a growing number of cases of diseases affecting the stomach, respiratory system, such as pneumonia and asthma, as well as skin diseases and allergies. All of these are caused by the toxic pesticides that enter Yemen. Furthermore, the use of toxic pesticides has been linked to skin diseases and allergies. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions in individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has drawn attention to the increasing number of cancer patients in Yemen. According to information obtained by "Khuyut", the WHO estimates that there are 35,000 cancer patients in Yemen, with 12% of the 11,000 new cases diagnosed in the country each year. These statistics provided by the WHO highlight the alarming situation regarding cancer in Yemen. The high number of cancer patients and the significant rate of new cases being diagnosed annually indicate the urgent need for attention and action to address this health crisis.
The use of pesticides among Yemeni farmers, particularly for the cultivation of the Qat plant, has become quite prevalent. The high demand for qat among the Yemeni population has incentivized farmers to resort to pesticides in order to expedite the maturation and ripening of the crops. The financial benefits associated with Qat cultivation have further motivated farmers to intensify their use of agricultural pesticides. Farmers believe that by using pesticides, they can increase the number of harvests per year, potentially reaching three, four, or even five cycles, compared to the traditional method of using natural fertilizers and non-toxic pesticides, which usually allows for only two harvests. This perspective has led them to rely heavily on pesticides to maximize their profits and meet the demand for Qat.
Ali Al-Ansi, a researcher in agricultural sciences, elaborates on this matter in an interview with "Khuyut". It is important to note that while this practice may yield short-term gains for the farmers, the long-term consequences and potential risks associated with the use of pesticides should not be overlooked.
Sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives should be considered to ensure the well-being of both the farmers and the consumers.
Researcher Ali Al-Ansi confirms in this statement by emphasizing that Yemeni farmers capitalized on the absence of government supervision during the war. They indeed increased the application of internationally prohibited insecticides to their agricultural crops, employing them in an illegal and unsafe manner.
Similarly, the statement of farmer Aziz Jubari, who is 38 years old, reflect the harsh reality faced by farmers in Yemen by saying: "It is indeed rare to find a farm in Yemen where the owners do not rely on banned and toxic insecticides. They use these pesticides to accelerate the ripening of fruits but the problem of using such pesticides has serious consequences that many farmers ignore. Despite the known risks and damage caused by some certain pesticides, many farmers in Yemen continue to use them. The consequences of this practice extend beyond the immediate impact on agriculture as these pesticides also have a detrimental effect on the fertile environment of agricultural lands throughout various areas in Yemen".
40 banned and dangerous varieties of insecticides
Recently, "Khuyut" has revealed, based on information, data, and credible sources, including confirmation from an official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the entry of 40 banned and dangerous varieties of insecticides, many of which are Israeli, into Sana'a.
The owners of private pesticide stores in Sana'a confirm that they sell various types of imported fertilizers and insecticides, including banned varieties. This statement comes from Hani Qayid, a 40-year-old merchant who sells fertilizers in the Shu'ub market in Sana'a as he confirmed to "Khuyut". If Hani's testimony is accurate, it is indeed a concerning revelation. The sale of banned insecticides by these private stores raises serious questions about the enforcement of regulations and the control of illegal pesticide trade.
According to the merchant Hani Qayid: "among the prominent Israeli pesticides being sold in the market under various names are "Al-Feil," "Al-Dioxin," "Al-Granit," and "Al-Nimrod," among others".
Further, based on the study published in 2016, in the aftermath of a year of ongoing conflict in Yemen, approximately 800 brand names of banned pesticides were found to enter the Yemeni market. These banned pesticides amounted to a total volume of up to three million liters and were internationally prohibited for use. If this study's findings are accurate, it highlights a grave concern regarding the importation and availability of such hazardous substances in Yemen.
In an old post by former Yemeni Minister of Culture, Khaled Al-Rowaishan, it was mentioned that a Jordanian individual informed him that Jordanian citizens were astonished to witness Israeli trucks emptying their toxic cargo only to refill it and transport it to Yemen, with the country of origin on the packaging changed. Even if the Israeli brand names were not altered, their entry into Yemeni markets was guaranteed, either through smuggling or through negligent, dormant, or complicit border crossings.
To conclude, the questions surrounding the ease of entry for insecticides from Israel into Yemen, the methods used, and who bears responsibility remain a perplexing issue for many in Yemen. It is important to acknowledge that these questions require a thorough and comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth and determine accountability. The ongoing war and conflict in Yemen may have contributed to weakened control and surveillance at ports and borders, making it easier for the smuggling of prohibited substances.
