Knowledge, Attitude and Practices for Safe Use of Insecticides in Aligarh District

Abstract

Background: Agrochemicals can play a significant role in enhancing post-harvest crop productivity and protection. But over the years, there’s growing concern about the inaccurate use of pesticides in agriculture. The present study was aimed at evaluating KAP about insecticide by farmers on different crops in Aligarh District. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of farmers about pest management, perceptions of the kind and frequencies as well as severity of pests and disease, sources of information, awareness of farmers and safety measures followed during the pesticide application. Methods: A random survey was conducted employing a standard structured questionnaire among 100 farmers in Wheat, Mustard and Paddy cultivating areas across the ten villages of Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Results: Most ordinarily used pesticides applied by the farmers on different crops were Malathion, Cypermethrin and Chlorpyriphos. It was also observed during the survey that most of the farmers stored the pesticide bottles at safe places and the remaining in unsafe areas with no safety measures. It was found that no farmer was familiar even with Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC)’s roles and guidelines about the use of labelled and unlabelled pesticide application. Most of the farmers were mainly dependent by the recommendation of pesticide dealers. Conclusion: The farmers in general should know the GoI CIBRC guidelines. The survey report may help the GoI particularly Aligarh District administration in policy making and safe use of insecticide. The easily availability of insecticide may lead to organophosphorus poisoning, which is almost fatal.