Farmers’ knowledge and attitudes on pesticide usage in vegetable cultivation in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A farmer survey was conducted in four major vegetable growing districts; Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya to identify the sensitivity of vegetable growers on the impacts of synthetic pesticides used in vegetable culti- vation and the problems faced by them in maintaining pest- and disease- free crops for maximum economic bene- fits. The key factors involved in farmers’ decision making in selecting pesticides were the product quality, farmer experience, availability and reputation than the price, product novelty and influence of the dealer and the peers. More farmers indicated that some Organophosphates, Carbamates, Pyrethroids and fungicides are more effective in controlling insect pests and diseases. A majority of farmers reported that the new-hybrids which are sensitive to insect pests and diseases as a drawback in minimizing agrochemical usage. The survey revealed that the prod- uct quality, farmers’ experience, availability of the product, company reputation, income, and price are influ- enced for decision making. Hence suggested cohesive research and development programs to develop non- pesticide dependant crop management practices; efficient pesticide application techniques that help minimize to pesticide requirement; establishment of surveillance system and implementing policies to regular monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetables. We emphasize that excessive use of pesticides is an economical and behavioural “lock in’ aspect that require multi-dimensional approach to find a solution to this issue. Key