Abstract
Farmers’ knowledge on pesticides and their safe use are critical for implementing effective pest management program. A household survey was conducted using the semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate vegetable growers’ knowledge on pesticide safety and pest management practices in Nepal. Results indicated that chemical pesticides were the primary choice of over 80% growers for pest management. Notably, 90% growers were aware of adverse effects of pesticides on human health and to the environment. Over 84% growers used at least one form of personal protection equipment (PPE) during pesticide spray or handling, although the quality and appropriateness of the PPE warrants further investigation. Nearly 17% growers received at least one short-term training on integrated pest management (IPM); however, all of them neither knew the harmful effects of pesticide residues nor practiced proper pesticide disposal methods. Over 90% of growers rely on local pesticide retailers (i.e., Agro-vets) for technical know-how about pesticide selection, handling, and use. This study highlighted a need for immediate implementation of strict pesticide use regulations and recommended educational programs for pest control professionals, growers, and pesticide retailers.
Highlights
Developing countries have been experiencing a significant shift in food consumption habits in recent decades
Involvement of younger farmers in vegetable production provides a strong hope to train new and safer pest management techniques compared to the older farmers [24]
Farmers use chemical pesticides without considering insect pest monitoring and economic thresholds, pesticide label instructions, pre-harvest interval requirement, proper use of personal protective equipment and clothing, potential impact on non-targets and the environment, which collectively form the basis of integrated pest management (IPM)
Summary
Developing countries have been experiencing a significant shift in food consumption habits in recent decades. The relative importance of high-value commodities including vegetables is steadily increasing in South Asia in recent years [1]. Fresh vegetable production in Nepal has increased at an average annual rate of 6.9% between the year 2000 and 2010, with an increased production area by. Fresh vegetable production in 2014 occupied approximately 254,932 ha area of Nepal with a total vegetable production of 3,421,035 metric tons [3]. The per capita vegetable consumption of Nepal increased from 60 kg to 105 kg in last two decades [2].
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