Knowledge of Vegetable Growers Regarding Pesticides Safety in Punjab, India

Abstract

Focusing on the Agriculture sector of Punjab, it is quite evident that the use of pesticides in vegetable cultivation is done on an alarming and haphazard rate posing significant risk to human health and the environment. This is a clear outcome of lack of adequate knowledge about the proper and safe use of these chemicals amongst vegetable growers. This gap in knowledge results in unsafe handling, overuse, and misuse of pesticides, having adverse effects on crop quality, safety of farmers, and ecological balance. Due to lack of adequate studies regarding this gap in knowledge it is essential to assess the current level of knowledge among vegetable growers regarding safe pesticide use to identify educational needs and promote safer agricultural practices. This study was conducted during the year 2024-25 aimed to study the vegetable grower’s knowledge level regarding safe use of pesticides. Purposive cum random sampling technique was used and sample of 120 vegetable growers was taken from 4 blocks i.e. Dhuri, Moonak, Bhawanigarh and Sunam from Sangrur district of Punjab. For data collection a well-structured interview scheduled used. Ten independent variables were categorized and studied in relation to one dependent variable i.e. level of knowledge regarding safe use of pesticides. The study revealed that majority of the vegetable growers had education upto high school with middle age (35-55 years) had family size of 4-8 members, possessing land holding of 1-2 hectares and also had 2-6 hectares under vegetable cultivation. Majority of the vegetable growers were dependent on agriculture for their livelihood with farming experience of 9-16 years, annual income 4-13 lakhs and below 2 lakhs income from vegetable cultivation. Majority of the vegetable growers never attended any training regarding safe use of pesticides. The majority of vegetable growers had medium level of source of information and innovativeness. Majority of the vegetable growers had (49.17%) medium level of knowledge regarding safe use of pesticides.