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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jhalendra P. Rijal & Rajendra Regmi & Rajan Ghimire & Krishna D. Puri & Sudan Gyawaly & Sujata Poudel, 2018. "Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:8:y:2018:i:1:p:16-:d:128063
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mohammad S. Allahyari & Christos A. Damalas & Mehdi Ebadattalab, 2017. "RETRACTED: Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 7(12), pages 1, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jamin Ali & Ahmet Bayram & Mohammad Mukarram & Fanrui Zhou & Muhammad Fazal Karim & Mogeda Mohammed Abdel Hafez & Mohammad Mahamood & Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf & Patricia Jie Hung King & Muhammad Faheem A, 2023. "Peach–Potato Aphid Myzus persicae : Current Management Strategies, Challenges, and Proposed Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Xin Tan & Guanghua Lin, 2024. "The Influence of Regional Specialization in Agriculture on Farmers’ Pest Control Behaviors Based on a Dual Examination of Control Strategies and Control Costs," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Md Masudur Rahman & Chandra Kanta Dash & Md Musfikur Rahman & Md Mehedi Hasan & Afsana Hannan & Saumik Dev & Md Fuad Mondal, 2022. "Farmers’ Perceptions and Knowledge of Country Bean ( Lablab purpureus L.) Insect Pests, and Diseases, and Their Management Practices, in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Raj K. GC & Ralph P. Hall, 2020. "The Commercialization of Smallholder Farming—A Case Study from the Rural Western Middle Hills of Nepal," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-16, April.
    5. repec:zib:zbseps:v:2:y:2022:2:1:p:78-84 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Mario Fargnoli & Mara Lombardi & Daniele Puri & Laura Casorri & Eva Masciarelli & Stefan Mandić-Rajčević & Claudio Colosio, 2019. "The Safe Use of Pesticides: A Risk Assessment Procedure for the Enhancement of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-23, January.
    7. Simrin Kafle & Abhinav Vaidya & Bandana Pradhan & Erik Jørs & Sharad Onta, 2021. "Factors Associated with Practice of Chemical Pesticide Use and Acute Poisoning Experienced by Farmers in Chitwan District, Nepal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-14, April.
    8. Manoj Paude & Kiran Parajuli, 2020. "Assessment On Pesticides Use And Adoption Of Integrated Pest Management Practices Among Commercial Vegetable Growers In Dang And Palpa Districts, Nepal," Food & Agribusiness Management (FABM), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 1(2), pages 54-58, May.

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