Effect of Agrochemical Use in Vegetable Production: A Situational Study in a Village of Cumilla District

Abstract

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been a threat to agricultural production, soil and health. Present research was conducted mainly to focus the adverse impacts of pesticide use on human health and to describe the current status of pesticide use in Jaspur village of Cumilla district. Out of 65 households data were collected from 45, by using a direct interview method with a pretested questionnaire .The questionnaire included both structured and non-structured questions. It had been observed that a maximum of 52.5% farmers said that they were affected through mouth and breathing, 22.5% farmers were affected through eye, skin, mouth and breathing, 5% through eye, skin and mouth and 5% through mouth. The signs and symptoms of illness due to exposure of pesticides were burning/stinging/itching eyes, skin redness/white patches, cough, excessive salivation, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath etc. About 37.50% respondents waited one week to collect vegetables after pesticide use. 77.5% respondents did not get any training about pesticide use as a result they were highly dependent on dealers. Lack of awareness was a great problem in this village. So in order to increase awareness farmers training was essential. Although this was a social study but it was observed that scientific study was required in this village.