Perception and Practices Towards Pesticides and Associated Health Impacts Among Vegetable Farmers in Badulla

Purpose : Pesticides continued to be a significant component in vegetable production in Sri Lanka. But human health impacts due to pesticide exposure are not well documented even though acute poisoning is a major public problem today. Within this context, current study was conducted to assess the awareness of hazardous pesticides, usage and associated health impacts among vegetable farmers in Badulla district.

Research Method : Information pertaining to the study was collected from primary sources and secondary sources. Hundred vegetable farmers from Badulla district were interviewed using structured pre tested questionnaires. Descriptive statistic, frequency distribution and t test were employed to examine the relationships.

Findings : Almost all the farmers depended on the chemical pesticides. 94% of farmers used Zoro (Abamactin) and 85% of farmers used Calcrone (Profenofos), which are extremely hazardous insecticides. Almost all farmers identified the pictogram of “wearing gloves”. About 75% of respondents were affected by any type of acute disease due to pesticide application. 52% were affected by skin problems like itching. Among them 98.67% took treatments. A significant difference was observed between those who participated in training and others on acute diseases (P<0.05), and those used masks and non-users on acute diseases (P<0.05).

Research Limitations : Hospital data related to illness or poisoning due to pesticides was lacking in the study area.

Originality / Value : It is evident from the study that farmers are mishandling and overusing pesticides which leads to diseases and the need for pesticides related education to farmers.