Knowledge of Farmers about Pest Management Practices in Pambaimadu, Vavuniya District: An Ordered Probit Model Approach

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.