Abstract:
Similar to many developing countries, pesticide related issues in Sri Lanka have
become a major concern in the recent past. Many researches were conducted to
evolve technical alternatives for eco-friendly agriculture, but very less emphasis
was given to the knowledge and behaviour of the farmers. Having recognized the
need, present study was conducted to assess the farmers’ knowledge level on pest
management practices and socio-economic factors influencing the existing pest
management practices. Ordered Probit model was used to analyze the data from 50
vegetable farmers who were randomly selected from Pampaimadu, Agricultural
Instructor range in the Vavuniya district. Nearly 60% of the farmers had medium
level of knowledge of plant protection practices. Only 6% of the farmers had good
level of knowledge towards the recommended plant protection measures. Almost all
the farmers depended on chemical pesticides for the management of pest and
diseases but at 35% higher concentration than recommended level. Farming
experience and social participation were positive and significantly contributed to
farmers’ knowledge on safe pesticide use. Education, income, age and family size of
farmers had showed no relationship with the knowledge level of pest management.
Increased social participation and, effective extension programmes are important to
improve farmers’ knowledge on proper use of pesticides and its effect on their
health and environment.
