USO DE BIOINSUMOS COMO ALTERNATIVA AOS AGROTÓXICOS: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Abstract

The extension project "Cultivating Sustainable Futures: More Agro, Less Toxic - Student Edition" aimed to educate students from municipal schools in Campos Belos - GO about the impacts of pesticides on biodiversity, promoting the conservation of agroecosystems and introducing the use of bioinputs as a sustainable alternative in agriculture. The project methodology was divided into two main stages: lectures and visits to the biofactory (Bioinput Technology Transfer Unit - UTT of the Campos Belos Campus of IF Goiano). The lectures, given to 9th grade students in five municipal schools, addressed topics such as the use and toxicity of pesticides, Brazilian legislation, the black market, the impacts on ecosystems and human health, and appropriate methods of disposal of packaging and waste. In addition, the principles of agroecology and alternative methods of sustainable management were presented, with a focus on promoting the use of bioinputs in agriculture. During the lectures, students participated in a dynamic activity on the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and provided feedback through forms, and the technical visit to the UTT at IF Goiano - Campos Belos Campus provided a practical view on the production and application of bioinputs. The results showed that the project had a significant impact on the training of students and extension agents involved. Data collected indicated that 50% of students did not know what pesticides were before the lectures, 57.6% were unaware of the damage to human health, and 54.5% were unaware of the environmental impacts. In addition, 78.8% of students did not know the importance of bioinputs before the lectures. After the lectures, 100% of students said they had a better understanding of the challenges and solutions related to the use of pesticides and agreed on the importance of continuing to learn about these issues. The participation of extension workers in the project allowed them to deepen their knowledge about the impacts of pesticides and the importance of bioinputs, contributing to the construction of ecological awareness. The project also played a fundamental role in awakening ecological awareness among students, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of agroecosystems. The continuity of initiatives like this is essential to foster more sustainable and healthy agricultural production for future generations, empowering young people to become active agents in the conservation of natural resources.