DETERMINANTS OF PESTICIDE USE AND RISK PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN BRINJAL PRODUCTION

Abstract

Farmers are working extremely hard to boost crop yields by using more pesticides and fertilizer as a result of the rising global demand for food and the shrinking amount of arable land. But using pesticides in agriculture has had unfavorable repercussions on the environment and human health. The study was conducted to examine the determinants of pesticide use and risk protective behaviour in brinjal production in some selected areas of Bogura district in Bangladesh. Besides, attempt had given to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the brinjal farmers, to identify the factors that significantly influence farmers use of pesticides in brinjal production, to compare the use of pesticides among brinjal farmers and investigate the comparison of risk protective behaviour among brinjal farmers. Two upazilas called Shibganj and Shahjahanpur under the Bogura districts was selected purposively for the study on the basis of extensive brinjal production. Simple sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 102 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple linear regression coefficients of contributing determinants related to the determinants of pesticide use in brinjal. Results indicated that safety behaviors in pesticide use were inadequate, particularly in majority of the farmers were overusing insecticides, fungicides and herbicide. The majority of the farmers (40) did not use mask as a result of low education levels, high cost and low availability. Due to their low levels of education, high costs, and lack of access, the majority of farmers (34) did not know about pesticide toxicity. Findings from the Multiple linear regression coefficients model estimation indicated that use of NPK and plot size are significant at 1% level and experience, highest education level of the family and family size are significant at 5% level and significantly influenced the amount of pesticide usage. In order to allow correct pesticide usage for improved livelihoods and environmental protection, the study advised the implementation of risk protective measures, safety training programs and suitable extension services. In terms of public policy, developing and executing targeted interventions aiming at encouraging the limit of detrimental consequences of excessive pesticide use on human health and the environment.