DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD XML Chemical Pesticide Use Pattern, Status And Farmer’s Awareness In Rice Growing Areas Of Khajura, Nepal

Abstract

A study was carried out during the summer in rice growing areas of Khajura rural municipality, Banke to evaluate the use pattern, status of chemical pesticide, problematic insects/pests in rice and farmers level of awareness for use of chemical pesticides. For the study, the household selection was done via simple random sampling among major rice growing household. All together 40 rice growing were selected and the data was collected, tabulated and frequency percentage were derived to present the results. The study revealed that age, sex, family type and education level all had significant influence on the selection of pest control strategies. Stem borer, Gundi bug, Plant hoppers and moths were reported to be the major pest in rice in the study area. Chemical method of pest control was the most dominantly adopted strategy among the respondent where they get the usage information from the Agro-vets and the extension workers. Respondents were aware of the health hazard caused by the chemical usage and majority of them picked headache and eye problem as the major ones. Farmers mostly used pesticide during panicle initiation stage and were found less attracted to other method of pest control as they lack sufficient knowledge on other control strategies. Usage of safety equipment was very low among the farmers during the pesticide spray however use of boots and mask were found to be common. Farmers totally ignored the preparation directions, pesticide labels and disposal instructions and not aware of the waiting period.