Abstract:
Pesticides are widely applied in paddy and crop fields in Kumbukkan Oya
watershed to prevent crop yield losses due to the pest infestations. The study
area is one of the main paddy and crop cultivated areas in the intermediate
agro-ecological zone of Sri Lanka. This study was carried out to evaluate the
farmers’ perception of pesticide usage and the selection of pesticides. Through
a random farmer survey (n=65) and key informant interviews, primary data
were collected in two main seasons (Yala and Maha) of 2019/2020. The study
has identified 17 active ingredients of herbicides, 15 active ingredients of
insecticides, and 8 active ingredients of fungicides widely used in the area. The
most frequently used pesticides are herbicides followed by insecticides.
Results further showed that more than 80% of farmers utilized pesticides are
herbicides (MCPA 600g/l,MCPA 400g/l, and Bispyribac-sodium). Further, the
study found that most of the farmers were incompetent to select appropriate
pesticides for certain pests, and more than 90% of respondents select
pesticides based on the opinion of pesticide retail shop owners/dealers.
Meanwhile, 4% of farmers have selected pesticides with their-own knowledge.
Only 15% of farmers seek advice from agriculture extension officers on pest
management. However, 20% of respondents have had training on the correct
use of pesticides conducted by the private sector organizations involved in
pesticide marketing. It has been found that the farmers in the study area are
not following recommended pesticide usage practices. Hence, it is essential to
educate the farmers on proper pesticide usage practices and the use of organic
farming practices to reduce the adverse effects of pesticides on the
environment.
