Assessment of management practices, awareness on safe use of pesticides and perception on integrated management of pests and diseases of chilli and tomato grown by small-scale farmers in selected districts of Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND In this study, we surveyed through a structured and pilot-tested questionnaire, the practices of pesticide usage by small-scale (< 1.25 ha) chilli and tomato farmers from four districts of Sri Lanka and their perceptions on the effectiveness of pesticides and willingness to adopt integrated pest management (IPM). RESULTS We found significant (P < 0.05) variation among districts in farmer responses to 37 out of 59 survey questions. A majority of farmers were dependent on pesticides with only a minority practicing IPM. A majority perceived that their current pesticide usage was increasing, but was not excessive. A majority were aware of the negative impacts of pesticides on human health and environment. Farmer perception on the effectiveness of pesticides increased with age, but was not influenced by education level. Farmers having a higher opinion of pesticides made a greater number of applications during a cropping cycle. They also maintained a longer preharvest interval and did not use pesticide mixtures. A majority expressed willingness to initiate IPM, but identified lack of knowledge and technical knowhow on specific IPM practices for their crops as barriers to adoption and requested external support. Farmer willingness to adopt IPM is higher among older, more educated farmers and among full-time farmers who are currently totally-dependent on pesticides and whose major income source was farming. CONCLUSION We conclude that a significant extension effort in terms of farmer education on IPM and external assistance to develop the technological knowhow, which is tailor-made to specific districts, is needed to facilitate adoption of IPM among these farmers.

Automated summary

The study found that the majority of farmers rely on pesticides, with only a minority practicing IPM. Most farmers believe that their current pesticide usage is increasing but not excessive, and are aware of the negative impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment.