Research Articles
Pesticide Usage Pattern in Rice Cultivation in Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka
Authors:
D. M. P. N. K. Dissanayake ,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About D. M. P. N. K.
Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture
Division of Civil Technology, University College of Kuliyapitiya
S. N. T. De Silva,
Wayamba University, LK
About S. N. T.
Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences
S. Pathmarajah,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About S.
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture
K. A. D. A. Kodagoda,
Department of Agriculture, Trincomalee, LK
T. M. R. Chandimal,
Wayamba University, LK
About T. M. R.
Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences
H. M. T. D. Herath
Wayamba University, LK
About H. M. T. D.
Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences
Abstract
Use of pesticides in Sri Lanka's rice cultivation has increased tremendously in the past decades. This study examined the current practices of pesticide use among randomly selected 174 farmers in the district of Trincomalee. A questionnaire survey and face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2019/2020 to collect primary data. The study revealed that 97% of farmers used herbicides, 70% used insecticides, and 4% used fungicides. Sixty three percent (63%) of the active ingredients of pesticides used were belong to class II (moderately hazardous), 31% belong to Class III (slightly hazardous) and 6% belong to Class U (unlikely to present acute hazard) according to WHO pesticides hazard categories. The most popular herbicide, insecticide and fungicide are Pretilachlor 30% EC (34%), Carbosulfan 200 g/L SC (36%), Tebuconazole 250 g/L EW (2%), respectively. Over 50% of farmers did not follow the guidelines recommended by the Department of Agriculture. 26% of farmers combine two or more chemicals to produce a mixture, as they believe such mixtures are more effective in controlling pests. Farmers are well aware about the bad effects of pesticides and the importance of protective gears but 63% of farmers did not use protective gears when applying pesticides. Violation of scientific recommendations, malpractice in the use of pesticides such as overuse, underuse, mixing and applying can be observed in the study area. Most of the user-level problems are related to farmers' attitudes. This study recommends educating the farmers on correct use of pesticides and monitoring the use of pesticides. It is proposed to take legal action against malpractices.
How to Cite:
Dissanayake, D.M.P.N.K., De Silva, S.N.T., Pathmarajah, S., Kodagoda, K.A.D.A., Chandimal, T.M.R. and Herath, H.M.T.D., 2022. Pesticide Usage Pattern in Rice Cultivation in Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 33(2), pp.173–182. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v33i2.8474
Published on
30 Mar 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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