DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2018.v05i06.002

Pages: 301-305

Abstract: Utilization of synthetic pesticides has been the chief means of controlling pests and diseases in crop farming. In this context, a study was undertaken to assess the pesticide usage pattern, evaluate the socio-economic factors which influence the usage of agrochemicals and determine the environmental impact of pesticide use in vegetable cultivation in Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat (DS) division of Puttalam district, Sri Lanka. Hundred farmers were selected through stratified random sampling method from Kalpitiya DS division, which is a predominantly vegetable cultivating area. Well-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect data during Maha 2016/2017 cropping season. Descriptive statistics and probit model were used to analyze the data. Field Use Environmental Impact Quotient (FEIQ) of pesticides used by the farmers was also determined. The results of the study showed that the foremost constraint in the vegetable cultivation was insect damage (92%) followed by diseases (84%) while weed problem was minimal (22%). The average extent of cultivation was 2.18 acres where only 14% of respondents’ cultivated land size was greater than 4 acres. Percentage of farmers having more than 5 years of experience in cultivation was 74%. Only 36% of farmers received extension service. Pesticides were applied on vegetable crops by 94% of the farmers. On an average, pesticide application frequency was 4.4, whereas pesticide use (active ingredient) by weight on the vegetable crops was 0.58 kg ha-1. The average FEIQ of pesticide use in the study area was 75.28 ha-1. Probit analysis displayed that educational level, farming experience and access to extension service had a positive and significant (p<0.05) relationship on farmers awareness about risks of pesticide use. Vegetable farmers of this area use extensive amount of pesticides which cause more damage to the environment. Therefore, it is recommended to deliver information to the farmers about the cautious