Vegetable Farmer’s Awareness and Perception of Pesticides on the Environment and Health in Eastern Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka excessive use of pesticides in paddy and vegetable farming has caused much concern in terms of its impact on the environment and humans. A study was done in Eastern Sri Lanka to find out vegetable farmer’s awareness of hazard levels of pesticides, perception of pesticide impact on the environment and their health, and awareness about different methods of pest control among farmers. A multi-staged random sample of 96 vegetable farmers in five Agrarian Service Center ranges in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka was studied, during October to November 2017, using a structured questionnaire. Frequencies estimation and Chi Square tests were done to find relationships. The results indicated that the degree of awareness on the hazardous levels of pesticides was minimal, but their perceptions on the impacts of the pesticides on the environment, humans, animals and on food items sold was high among the vegetable farmers. There was a significant spatial variation in knowledge on hazardous level of pesticides used in vegetable production. Significant differences existed between areas studied on the perception of farmers of the impact of pesticides on humans, animals, food and environment. Most of the farmers were aware about crop rotation, chemical control and manual control methods to get rid of pests. Only a low percentage of farmers were aware about biological control, cultural control and seed treatment to curtail pest attack. There were significant spatial differences in farmers’ awareness on available pest control methods. Policy makers and institutions intervening to regulate pesticides usage need to adopt multiple strategies to create awareness on the impact of pesticides on humans and the environment, through designing policies to enhance farm extension services and to encourage adoption of alternative methods of pest control.