Pesticide storage, disposal and protective methods adapted by the vegetable farmers in the Manmunai south and Eruvilpattu divisional secretariat division of Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Batticaloa district is in the Eastern Part of Sri Lanka. Vegetables except up-country vegetables sold in Batticaloa district are mainly grown in villages in the district. Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu divisional secretariat (DS) division is a predominantly vegetable cultivating area in the Batticaloa district. Farmers in this region use variety of synthetic pesticides to protect vegetables. Recently public concern related to health risks associated with pesticide residues in the vegetables has been increased substantially. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out pesticide storage, disposal and protective methods adapted by the farmers on vegetable cultivation in Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu DS division. Stratified random sampling method was used to select respondents for the survey and collected data were analyzed statistically. It was observed that the usage of pesticides is higher in the study area. There are no any proper storage methods practices by farmers and they are highly negligent in proper disposal of empty containers. The farmers in the survey area never use any protective measures before or during the spraying operations of pesticides. It was found that awareness related to pesticide usage, storage and disposal methods by farmers were very low. Further, they are unaware of the ill effects of pesticides on human beings as well as the environment itself. Awareness programmes are essential and recommended to change the attitudes of farmers to shift them from traditional to environmental friendly pest control methods.