Perception towards Pesticide Use on Health Hazards in Okra Cultivation in Gujarat: An Assessment

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the farmers and consumers perception towards pesticide use on health hazards and its behavioural extent for okra cultivation in Surat district of Gujarat, adopting multistage sampling technique with 120 okra growers. The primary data were collected using well-structured schedule. Out of total farmers, 93.33 per cent of the respondents were opined that sufficient level of pesticide was used to control the pests. The pesticide handling practices indicated that 79.17 per cent of the respondents were not using protective measures during pesticide application. Whereas, 85.00 per cent of respondents were washed hands with soap after spraying of pesticide. 89.17 per cent of respondents were applied the pesticide along with wind direction. 60.83 per cent were applied pesticide in morning, and these was best time for application. Regarding mixing of pesticide with water, 43.33 per cent of respondents were used wooden stick. 69.17 per cent of respondents had used knapsack sprayer. Regarding the washing of spraying equipments after spray, 72.50 percent of respondents had washed spraying equipments. 26.67 per cent of respondents had got information from neighbors. Majority of the consumers expressed their WTP for pesticide-free okra. About 27.50 per cent of consumers were ready to pay 6–10 per cent more than the price prevailing. Majority of the respondents of okra growers (67.50 per cent) were in the category of medium level of pesticide use behaviour. The extent of pesticide use behavior of okra growers, namely Dimethoate 30 EC, Cypermethrin 25 EC, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Propergite 57 EC, and Phorate 10G were mostly used for controlling various insectpests of okra. Hexaconazole 5 EC, Rogor, Mancozeb and Phorate 10 G were commonly used for controlling various diseases of okra.