Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal

Jhalendra P. Rijal, Rajendra Regmi, Rajan Ghimire, Krishna D. Puri, Sudan Gyawaly and Sujata Poudel
Additional contact information
Jhalendra P. Rijal: University of California Cooperative Extension & Statewide IPM Program, Modesto, CA 95358, USA
Rajendra Regmi: Department of Entomology, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan 44209, Nepal
Rajan Ghimire: Agricultural Science Center, New Mexico State University, Clovis, NM 88101, USA
Krishna D. Puri: Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Sudan Gyawaly: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Sujata Poudel: Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Government of Nepal, Khumaltar, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal

Agriculture, 2018, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Farmers’ knowledge on pesticides and their safe use are critical for implementing effective pest management program. A household survey was conducted using the semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate vegetable growers’ knowledge on pesticide safety and pest management practices in Nepal. Results indicated that chemical pesticides were the primary choice of over 80% growers for pest management. Notably, 90% growers were aware of adverse effects of pesticides on human health and to the environment. Over 84% growers used at least one form of personal protection equipment (PPE) during pesticide spray or handling, although the quality and appropriateness of the PPE warrants further investigation. Nearly 17% growers received at least one short-term training on integrated pest management (IPM); however, all of them neither knew the harmful effects of pesticide residues nor practiced proper pesticide disposal methods. Over 90% of growers rely on local pesticide retailers (i.e., Agro-vets) for technical know-how about pesticide selection, handling, and use. This study highlighted a need for immediate implementation of strict pesticide use regulations and recommended educational programs for pest control professionals, growers, and pesticide retailers.

Keywords: pesticide exposure; IPM; personal protective equipment; Nepal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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