Farmers' Awareness on Safe Use of Pesticides: A Case Study on Chilli (Capsicum annuum) Farmers in Kaluthawalai, Batticaloa

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.