Abstract:
Batticaloa district is in the Eastern Part of Sri Lanka. Vegetables except up-country vegetables sold in Batticaloa district are
mainly grown in villages in the district. Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu divisional secretariat (DS) division is a
predominantly vegetable cultivating area in the Batticaloa district. Farmers in this region use variety of synthetic pesticides to
protect vegetables. Recently public concern related to health risks associated with pesticide residues in the vegetables has been
increased substantially. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out pesticide storage, disposal and protective methods
adapted by the farmers on vegetable cultivation in Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu DS division. Stratified random sampling
method was used to select respondents for the survey and collected data were analyzed statistically. It was observed that the
usage of pesticides is higher in the study area. There are no any proper storage methods practices by farmers and they are
highly negligent in proper disposal of empty containers. The farmers in the survey area never use any protective measures
before or during the spraying operations of pesticides. It was found that awareness related to pesticide usage, storage and
disposal methods by farmers were very low. Further, they are unaware of the ill effects of pesticides on human beings as well
as the environment itself. Awareness programmes are essential and recommended to change the attitudes of farmers to shift
them from traditional to environmental friendly pest control methods.
