Knowledge and Attitude among Vegetable Growers Regarding Pesticide Application: A Case Study in Matara District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The present study was carried to understand the knowledge and attitude on pesticide application among commercial scale vegetable farmers in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Data were collected from a sample of fifty Brinjal and Cucurbitaceous vegetable cultivating farmers, using pre-tested questionnaire and focused group discussions with agricultural instructors and, representatives of farmer's organization and pesticide dealers. Farmers were selected from the five agricultural service centers, using stratified sampling technique. For control pests and diseases a majority of farmers (80%) used synthetic pesticides while only a few farmers (20% ) used both synthetic and botanical pesticides. About 72% of farmers always apply pesticides prior to the appearance of any symptoms of pest or disease, as a precautionary measure. The percentage of pesticide overdosing farmers was 58%. They believe that that recommendations and instructions given in the pesticide product labels are ineffective. About 48% of vegetable farmers wear protective garments during the pesticide spraying, but only 32% of the farmers used gloves and boots. Most of the issues at the user's level are associated with lack of awareness, poor attitudes and behaviors of farmers and weaknesses in the extension system. Thus, there is a need to change farmer's attitudes through awareness Campaigns and, to empower the farmer organizations to tackle the issues at farm level.