Thanh Nien journalist Bui Ngoc Long has taken first prize in a national media contest launched by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Long won the award for his work on “Garlic-chilli pesticide” published in Thanh Nien newspaper on September 19.

Long’s story highlighted the use of an organic pesticide being employed by farmers in Khe Su Hamlet in the central province of Thua Thien Hue city.

For the past two years, they have applied the eco-friendly pesticide made from garlic, chilli, and onion in their vegetable gardens and rice fields.

They began the practice after JICA staff and a teacher from Hue Agricultural University taught them how.

Unlike chemical pesticides, the onion-garlic-chilli pesticide does not degrade soil fertility and is not linked to various diseases, experts say.

The award honors Long for his contribution to the development of Japan – Vietnam cooperation as well as to the enhancement of public awareness of JICA activities in Vietnam, according to a recent JICA announcement.

As winner of the JICA Vietnam Media Award 2010, Long will receive a prize of 17-day field trip to Japan.

The World Health Organization and the UN Environment Program estimates that each year, three million agricultural workers in the developing world suffer severe poisoning from pesticides.