Environment-friendly cotton production through implementing integrated pest management approach

Abstract

The study measures the impacts on biodiversity and bio-safety indicators in the context of total pesticide use, toxicity of pesticide use, environmental quotients, health hazards, attitude towards environment, and pest-predator dynamics at IPM- and farmer-managed plots in Khairpur district of Sindh. Results show that total doses of pesticide chemicals were largely reduced (41 percent) on IPM-trained farms. Highly toxic class of pesticide use reduction was much higher (54 percent), which resulted in lowering the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), more than 49.5 percent as compared to a quantum jump at controlled farms. The change in the IPM-trained farmers' attitude and beliefs helped them to change pesticide use behaviour for better environment and health improvements. IPM-trained farmers' attendance score and their age and education status are significantly associated with the pesticide applications, observed biodiversity, and field EIQ. The ratio of predators and pests indicates that less chemical use gives a free hand to predators to flourish, fluctuate, and counter the pest pressure, whereas on farmer practice plots, the pesticide aid reduces natural pest control processes, which enhance pesticide use dependencies. More involvement of plant protection experts during both IPM-trainings and post-training follow-ups is suggested for improved understanding among farmers, extension agents, and researchers. © The Pakistan Development Review.