Nematode attacks and their influence on farming economics

Abstract

Nematode attack is among the factors significantly reducing the world's rice production, to the extent of affecting farming economics and global food security. One of the factors involved in the decline in production is the prevalence of rice diseases and pests, among which are nematodes. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the level of farmers’ knowledge on the symptoms of nematode infection in Pasir Panjang, which is situated in the rice cultivation area, namely Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA), of Northwest Selangor. The study also analyzed the effects of nematode attacks on farming economics. Descriptive analysis was performed on 86 randomly selected samples of farmers whose crops had often been attacked by nematodes. The results of the study found that the farming community had knowledge of the symptoms of nematode infestation in rice crop fields. Analysis of the study results showed that farmers were significantly affected by nematode attacks on their rice crops. The effects of attack could be seen from the reduced income and economic levels of the farmers and consequent increase in management costs, in addition to the increasing costs of purchasing pesticides and fertilizers. Production output and yield quality also declined. This situation has negatively impacted the quality of life of these farmers. The implications of this study inform the strategies for integrated and continuous disease and pest control to ensure that the country's food security is more stable.