Study of the Farmers Knowledge Regarding Pesticide Usage on Cotton Crop at District Nushki, Balochistan Province

Abstract

In order to identify the farmers’ knowledge regarding pesticide usage on cotton crop in district Nushki of Balochistan province, the study was carried out during the year 2014. The impacts of pesticide application on environmental degradation and human health were also investigated. Cotton growers were enquired for their knowledge regarding the pesticides and their use on cotton crop as well as perceive on the impact of pesticides on cotton production, adverse effects on human health and environment as well. The study showed that majority (93.02%) were not satisfied on extension services and the usefulness of the extension agents for use of pesticides on cotton and the help from extension agents (91.25%). In case of cotton growers’ knowledge regarding proper pesticide products, majority (51.16%) were not satisfied; 45.35 percent were satisfied to some extent; 45.35% were positive for the assumption that unsafe pesticide application is a health risk for the applicators, while 38.37% showed adverse attitude 16.28% were highly satisfied over this assumption. 70.93% growers were satisfied to some extent and 10.47 percent highly satisfied for followup of instructions on the label. Regarding adverse effects of indiscriminate use of pesticides on animals and other ecosystem, majority (63.95%) was satisfied to some extent, 30.23 percent were highly satisfied and 5.81 percent were not satisfied. Majority (53.49%) was satisfied to some extent on adoption and effectiveness of traditional methods of pesticide application; 31.40 percent were not satisfied and 15.12 percent were highly satisfied. Most of the cotton growers (40.70%) agreed to some extent, 32.56 percent strongly agreed and 26.74 percent disagreed that use of pesticide creates environmental problems; while 89.53% strongly agreed that the use of pesticide increases the yield of cotton. 39.53% agreed, 34.88 percent strongly agreed and 25.58 percent disagreed that underground water is contaminated by the use of pesticides. 36.05% agreed to some extent, 32.56 percent disagreed and 31.40 percent strongly agreed that use of pesticides spray on cotton crop is harmful for biological life. 43.02% growers strongly agreed, 38.37 percent agreed to some extent and 18.60 percent disagreed that abundant use of pesticides pollutes the atmosphere. 65.12% growers strongly agreed, 22.09 percent disagreed and 12.79 percent agreed to some extent that natural taste of food due to pesticidal sprays is changed. For motivation of cotton growers for proper application of pesticides, growers were optimistic for training programs (94.19%); motivational campaigns (65.12); through education (89.53), extension activities (95.35%); and mass media (56.98%). Neighboring farmer was the chief source of information for cotton growers, followed by TV, Radio, Dem. Plots, newspaper, contact farmer, research worker, Magazines and extension worker ranked. In cotton growers’ problems, financial constraints ranked 1st, adult rated pesticides ranked 2nd, afraid of loss ranked 3rd, lack of knowledge ranked 4th and non-availability of pesticides and other inputs remained the least ranked 5th.

Keywords: Farmer Knowledge, Pesticides, Cotton