Abstract:
In recent times, use of pesticides in rice farming has increased rapidly and this scenario
contributes significantly towards adverse effects on human health and environment. In this context, this
study aims to assess the farmers’ knowledge level on pest management practices and socio-economic
factors influencing the existing pest management practices. Therefore, a well-designed questionnaire was
developed to collect the data regarding the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, pesticide usage in
paddy production and knowledge level of pest management. Primary data were collected from farmers in
Sammanthurai Divisional Secretariat area in Ampara District by means of a questionnaire survey among
randomly selected 80 households during the period of February to April, 2017. Farming experience and
social participation were positive and significantly contributed to farmers’ knowledge on safe pesticide
use. Education, income, age and family size of farmers had showed no relationship with the knowledge
level of pest management. Increased social participation and, effective extension programmes are
important to improve farmers’ knowledge on proper use of pesticides and its effect on their health and
environment.
