Vol. 13, Issue 4 (2024)

Author(s):
T Hemanth, Ch. Sreenivasa Rao, D Sudha Rani, G Bindu Madhavi and D Ramesh

Abstract:
The present study was conducted among 30 farmers’ in five mandals of Krishna delta area in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh to study the knowledge and practices of rice farmers with reference to pesticide use and handling during rabi 2022-23 and kharif 2023-24. The study revealed that education level had significant influence on the selection of pest control strategies and majority of the farmers exhibited low levels of knowledge on safe pesticide use. Most of the farmers had poor knowledge on recommended pesticides (70.00%), classification of pesticides based on toxicity (73.33%) and awareness on pesticide residues & export rejections due to pesticide residues (66.67%). Most of the farmers got the advisories on pesticide recommendation from pesticide shop dealers (63.33%). It was also revealed that 40 and 33.33 per cent of the farmers disposed empty containers in the field and garbage, respectively and few (10%) were found reusing empty pesticide containers. With regard to handling of pesticides, 80 per cent of them used bottle cap for measurement and about 63.33 per cent were found using stick for mixing the spray fluid. During spraying, most of the farmers (56.67%) were found drinking water, while 43.33 per cent of them didn’t eat or drink. It was also found that 76.67 per cent were not having the habit of smoking and drinking during spraying. About 40 per cent used full sleeves and only 26.67 per cent of farmers didn’t follow any safety measure during pesticide application. Majority of the farmers were aware of the first aid practices to be followed in case of accidental poisoning (70.00%). There is no change in the knowledge and practices of farmers from rabi 2022-23 to kharif 2023-24. However, it is crucial to create awareness on responsible and safe use of pesticides.