Abstract:
Monitoring the knowledge of small-scale farmers on pesticide usage would be useful
to assess the appropriateness of the information for reducing the risks from pesticides
in rural regions of Sri Lanka. The patterns of pesticide usage, perception and levels
of knowledge of the risks posed by pesticide usage to the environment were
investigated by means of a semi-structured questionnaire survey and key informant
interviews. Welimada, Haputhale, Badulla, and Ella DS divisions were selected as
major vegetable growing areas (S1=119) while Moneragala, Badalkumbura, Bibile
and Medagama DS divisions were selected as major field crop cultivated areas
(S2=127). Basic information viz. farmer household and farmlands, commonly used
pesticides and farmers’ knowledge on pesticide usage was ascertained as the primary
data. All the interviewed vegetable grown farmers have used fungicides and
insecticides. However, only 35.3% farmers have used herbicides while all
interviewed field crop cultivated farmers have used herbicides but 70.1% and 99.2%
used fungicide and insecticides respectively. Only 29.4% (S1) and 13.4% (S2) of
respondents have undergone a proper training on the effective use of pesticides and
such trainings were mainly conducted by organizations of the private sector who are
already involved in pesticide marketing.60.5% (S1) and 61.4% (S2) of farmers have
taken some precautionary measures and long pants and long sleeve shirts are the
most common precautionary methods during pesticide spraying. The correlation
analysis indicates that farmers’ knowledge on the correct handling of pesticides,
disposal of pesticide leftovers/containers and personal hygiene after pesticide
application were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by the farmers’ level of education
and training on pesticide handling. The present study indicated that the application
of pesticides in the study area posed a potential risk for the environment and the
farmers.
