Pesticides usage and socioeconomic characteristics of paddy farmers with special reference to Sammanthurai divisional secretariat area in Ampara district

Abstract

In recent times, use of pesticides in rice farming has increased rapidly and this scenario contributes significantly towards adverse effects on human health and environment. In this context, this study aims to assess the farmers’ knowledge level on pest management practices and socio-economic factors influencing the existing pest management practices. Therefore, a well-designed questionnaire was developed to collect the data regarding the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, pesticide usage in paddy production and knowledge level of pest management. Primary data were collected from farmers in Sammanthurai Divisional Secretariat area in Ampara District by means of a questionnaire survey among randomly selected 80 households during the period of February to April, 2017. Farming experience and social participation were positive and significantly contributed to farmers’ knowledge on safe pesticide use. Education, income, age and family size of farmers had showed no relationship with the knowledge level of pest management. Increased social participation and, effective extension programmes are important to improve farmers’ knowledge on proper use of pesticides and its effect on their health and environment.