Pesticide-use Patterns in Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Pesticide-use practices among okra growers were assessed in Jaipur, Dausa and Alwar districts of Rajasthan, India, during 2025. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was administered through personal interviews with 60 farmers, comprising 20 respondents from each district. Information was recorded on pesticide selection, sources of advice, dosage, spray frequency, pre-harvest interval, storage, disposal and personal-protection practices. Seventeen pesticides covering insecticides, acaricides and fungicides were reported. The most widely used products were copper oxychloride 50% WP (81.66%), carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP (80.00%), profenofos 40% + cypermethrin 4% EC (73.33%) and chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (66.66%). Pesticide dealers were the principal source of recommendations for 75% of respondents, whereas only 5% obtained advice from the State Department of Agriculture or an ICAR institute. Only 23.33% of farmers used the recommended insecticide dose, and 85% mixed different pesticides during application. Although 80% were aware of pesticide hazards, knowledge of natural enemies and integrated pest management was limited to 20% and 46.66%, respectively. Most farmers stored pesticides safely and reported using some protective measures, but 88.33% left or discarded empty containers in fields. The findings indicate important gaps in label awareness, dosage compliance, pre-harvest intervals and safe container disposal. Targeted extension support and practical training are needed to improve pesticide stewardship in okra production.