Abstract:
A survey was carried out to investigate the awareness regarding safe use of pesticide among chilli growers in
Kaluthawalai village as this village is well popular for vegetable cultivation and accounts for heavy use of pesticides in
Batticaloa District. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from the farmers. Data were collected on the
personal details of the farmers, details of farming, general awareness about pesticide application, status of safe
handling of pesticides, status of purchase and store of pesticides, status of recommended personal protection
equipment use, status on disposal of empty pesticide containers, and care after pesticide application. Collected data
were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that almost all the farmers
depended on chemical pesticides for the management of pest and diseases. About 25% of the farmers in Kaluthawalai
village sprayed pesticides more than recommended dose. Approximately, 80% of the farmers were aware about the
expiry date of the chemical and colour of the label which indicates the toxicity level of chemicals. However, 80% of the
farmers do not have any consideration about the wind direction while applying chemicals. Around 65% of the farmers
do not have any knowledge about pre harvest interval. It was observed that only 10% of respondents were using
face/nose mask and none of them are using head dress, hand gloves and shoes during pesticide application. About
90% of the respondents took bath and changed clothes after spraying operation performed. However, regarding first
aid, only 10% respondents had the knowledge.
